Description
The Variations op. 34, composed in 1802 on an original theme, share similarities with the “Eroica Variations” op. 35. Beethoven's declaration of a “new fashion” for both compositions is particularly evident in opus 34, characterized by its frequent key changes. Each variation introduces new tonal colors and emotional landscapes, ranging from pastoral to funereal, while the original melody remains predominantly intact. For the first time, the Variations op. 34 are now offered by Henle in a standalone edition. The musical text of this Urtext edition, accompanied by a comprehensive foreword and commentary, has been meticulously prepared based on the later Critical Apparatus of the Beethoven Complete Edition. Additionally, the fingering has been provided by the highly regarded Ian Fountain.
