Diabelli Variations - 33 Variations on a Waltz by Anton Diabelli, Op. 120
11/4/2016, 34 Tracks, 53:53
Featuring
Igor Levit
Ludwig van Beethoven
Did you know?
1/6
Composition History
Beethoven initially mocked the triviality of Diabelli's waltz theme but then composed over twenty variations within months, adding ten more years later.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's Diabelli Variations include parodies of the waltz and a quote from Leporello's 'Notte e giorno faticar' from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni.
Composition History
Anton Diabelli, a publisher and composer, initially asked 50 colleagues, including Franz Schubert and Carl Czerny, to each write one variation on his waltz for a collection to promote his new firm.
Critical Reception
Hans von Bülow, who premiered the Diabelli Variations in Berlin in 1856, considered them a 'microcosm of Beethoven's genius' and a reflection of the entire world of music.
Interpretation
Igor Levit believes that interpreting variation cycles requires both identification with the musical situation and a cool distance from it.
Performer Biography
Igor Levit, the pianist on this album, considers variations to be his favorite musical form, comparing them to travel books.
You might also enjoy...
Bach, JS : Goldberg Variations
Beethoven: Diabelli Variations
Beethoven: Piano Variations
Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Beethoven: 8 Variations on Grétry's "Une fièvre brûlante", WoO 72
Beethoven: Piano Variations
Beethoven: Diabelli Variations
Beethoven: Diabelli Variations
Beethoven: 32 Variations in C Minor, WoO 80
Beethoven: Diabelli Variations
Beethoven: 33 Variations in C Major, Op. 120 on a Waltz by Diabelli: Var. 10. Presto
