While I love the piano version of the Handel Variations, I think I
almost prefer Rubbra's orchestration.  I know it has been criticized
for not sounding like Brahm's "sound", but for me that's a rather stupid
argument.  Of course it doesn't "sound" like Brahms - it's by Rubbra.  The
solo version (to me) seems almost too much for a solo instrument to deal
with.  I think the only way to understand the full measure of the piece
is in the orchestration.

Bruce