32 Variations in C minor (Beethoven)

32 Variations in C minor

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32 Variations on an Original Theme in C minor, WoO 80 (German: 32 Variationen über ein eigenes Thema), is a composition for solo piano by Ludwig van Beethoven, written in 1806.

## Analysis

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The work consists of an eight-bar main theme and 32 variations. A chord progression in the left hand, based upon a descending chromatic bass, serves as an important structural device. The short and sparse melodic theme, as well as the emphasis on the bass line, reflect a possible influence of the chaconne[citation needed] and the Folia.[1] The variations have been called "Beethoven’s most overt pianistic homage to the Baroque."[2] The variations differ in character, technical difficulty and dynamics. Pianist Yue Chu points out that the key of C minor indicates that "Beethoven was serious when composing this work," despite his apparent misgivings later.[3]

### Variations

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Variation/s | Description

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I to III | Consists of arpeggios and repeating notes. The only difference among these three variations is which hands play the arpeggios; in Var. I, the right hand does so, Var. II, the left hand, and Var. III, both hands.
IV | A variation looking into precision of staccato, and the descending bass line is quite prominent.
V | A quiet variation looking at the contrast between staccato and legato.
VI | A turbulent variation marked fortissimo as well as "sempre staccato e sforzato." The sforzatos are indicated in the music.
VII and VIII | Are markedly quieter variations than Var. VI but musically are more difficult.
IX | A variation with many slurs.
X and XI | Marked "sempre forte" with an inversion of the main theme, with the only difference between them being that Var. X's thirty-second notes are played with the left hand, and Var. XI's thirty-second notes with the right hand.
XII to XVI | Marked Maggiore (Italian for "major") and are thus emotionally different from the other variations. These variations are in C major. Var. XII is marked "semplice", so it should not be overplayed, while XIII is even quieter. Var. XIV has staccato thirds, and XV and XVI contain numerous, albeit slow, octaves.
XVII | Marks the return of the minor and is marked "dolce", implying that it should be played more quietly.
XVIII | Offers a stark contrast to Var. XVII, with very rapid right hand scales.
XIX | A variation with arpeggios in the form of sixteenth triplets, as in the Waldstein Sonata.
XX and XXI | Are technically difficult variations with scales.
XXII | Noted for its tenutos and sforzatos.
XXIII | Offers a contrast to Var. XXII and thus is marked pianissimo. It consists of detached chords.
XXIV and XXV | Are light (thus quiet) variations emphasizing staccato and leggiermente, respectively.
XXVI and XXVII | Are technically difficult and consist of thirds.
XXVIII | A stark contrast to XXVII, as it is marked semplice.
XXIX | Consists of difficult arpeggios in the form of sixteenth note triplets.
XXX | A contrast to XXIX and is quite slow.
XXXI | Even quieter than XXX and technically simple, consisting of left hand arpeggios, and the theme is repeated in the right hand in its original form.
XXXII | The last variation, a technically difficult and fast passage. Its main theme consists of left hand 32nd notes and the right hand playing two sevenths, and a group of eight 32nd notes.

Typically, performances of this piece last from 10 to 12 minutes.

## Reception

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The piece proved popular, receiving a favorable review in the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung (Leipzig) in 1807,[citation needed] and remains popular today.[citation needed] Nevertheless, Beethoven did not see fit to assign it an opus number. It is said that later in his life he heard a friend practicing it. After listening for some time he said "Whose is that?" "Yours", was the answer. "Mine? That piece of folly mine?" was his retort; "Oh, Beethoven, what an ass you were in those days!"[4]

## See also

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* Beethoven and C minor

## References

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1. ^ Solomon, Maynard (1999). "Beethoven's Diabelli Variations". Beethoven Forum. 7. University of Nebraska Press: 145.
2. ^ Hyperion, 32 Variations on an original theme in C minor, WoO80
3. ^ Classical Connect, 32 Variations in C minor
4. ^ Thayer, Alexander (1967). Elliot Forbes (ed.). Life of Beethoven. Vol. II. Princeton University Press. p. 324.

## External links

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* 32 Variations in C minor, WoO 80: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project

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Compositions for solo piano by Ludwig van Beethoven

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* Bagatelles, Op. 119
* Bagatelles, Op. 126
* Bagatelles, Op. 33
* Für Elise

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* 32 Variations in C minor
* Diabelli Variations
* Eroica Variations

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