The 'Große Fuge' (Great Fugue) Op. 133, originally the final movement of Beethoven's String Quartet Op. 130, is a demanding contrapuntal work that pushes the limits of playability for string players.
Compositional Technique
In the 'Diabelli Variations,' Beethoven transforms Anton Diabelli's waltz theme into a march at the beginning and a highly embellished minuet at the end.
Composition History
Beethoven's Bagatelles Op. 119 contain a stylistic break because the first six pieces were based on earlier works from his portfolio, while the later ones originated in 1821.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's 'Diabelli Variations' include a tribute to Mozart, quoting Leporello's complaint from 'Don Giovanni' in the 22nd variation.
Recording & Production
For this recording, the 'Große Fuge' is presented from the perspective of the pianists, with high notes on the right and low notes on the left, a tribute to Beethoven's expressiveness.
Composition History
Beethoven's 'Diabelli Variations' became so extensive that they had to be published separately from the other composers' contributions to Anton Diabelli's project.
Composition History
The 'Diabelli Variations' Op. 120 originated from a promotional campaign by publisher Anton Diabelli, who invited 50 composers to write a variation on his waltz.
