Beethoven: Diabelli Variations in C Major, Op. 120

Featuring

Geoffrey Douglas Madge
Ludwig van Beethoven

Did you know?

1/7

Compositional Technique

Beethoven's Diabelli Variations incorporate references to other composers he admired, such as a minuet in the style of Haydn and Mozart, and an allusion to Mozart's opera Don Giovanni.

Recording & Production

This recording of Beethoven's Diabelli Variations was made from October 6-8, 2020, at the Zeeuwse Concertzaal in Middelburg, Netherlands.

Performer Biography

Geoffrey Madge is known for his integral performances of monumental works, including being the first to receive permission from the composer to perform K. Sorabji's 3.5-hour Opus Clavicembalisticum.

Composition History

Beethoven's 33 Diabelli Variations, Op. 120, were composed between 1819 and 1823 and published in 1824 by Anton Diabelli's new firm.

Compositional Technique

The final variations of the Diabelli Variations show the influence of Bach's Goldberg Variations and Handel, concluding with an unworldly minuet inspired by Haydn.

Composition History

Anton Diabelli, a publisher, originally intended to have 51 composers each write one variation on his waltz theme to celebrate his firm's opening.

Performer Biography

Geoffrey Madge, the pianist on this recording, was appointed professor of piano at the Royal Conservatorium in The Hague in 1972, a position he held until his retirement in 2006.