CCXXXVII. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van: 33 Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli, Op. 120

CCXXXVII. BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van (1770-1827)

33 Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli, Op. 120 (1819-23)
Fatjona Maliqi, piano
(56:46)

Anton Diabelli was an Austrian publisher, editor and composer who whipped out this little waltz theme in 1819, and invited many Austrian and German composers to write a set of variations:

Schindler -- whose biographical accounts of Beethoven are almost always off the mark -- reports that Beethoven at first refused to take part in Diabelli's project, dismissing the theme as banal (which it is) and unworthy of his effort.

Not much later -- says Schindler -- Beethoven changed his mind upon learning that Diabelli was prepared to pay a handsome price for a full set of variations, and decided to show the world what he could do with such slim material.

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And show us he did.

Analysis.

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Fatjona Maliqi is still a very young woman, but her talent and deep understanding of this great work is undeniable.