about Music: The Art of Listening Programme 88. Beethoven and Schumann Variations.
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Beethoven’s Piano Variations and Fugue in E-flat major, Op. 35 (also known as the “Eroica” Variations) and Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 are two of the most ambitious variation sets of the 19th century. While both works are built on variation techniques, they approach form, texture, and thematic development in distinct ways.
Variation techniques allow a composer to demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and emotional range. Elaboration and contrast as well as emotional progression, but with structural unity, is a primary objective. In this regard Variations are like a much extended development section of a Sonata form.
Beethoven was especially prolific and heavily influenced later composers as we will see in Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes today.
Variation techniques allow a composer to demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and emotional range. Elaboration and contrast as well as emotional progression, but with structural unity, is a primary objective. In this regard Variations are like a much extended development section of a Sonata form.
Beethoven was especially prolific and heavily influenced later composers as we will see in Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes today.