Beethoven's Diabelli Variations

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Editor's Preface
Introduction
Part I: The Process of Composition
1 The Interrupted Genesis of the Variations
2 The Early Sketches (1819)
3 The Late Sketches (1822-1823)
Part II. The Compositional Style
4
5 The Importance of Parody
6 Beethoven's Treatment of the Theme
7 The Opening Variations
8 The Middle Variations
9 Consolidation and Transfiguration
Part III: Transcriptions of the Sketches
10 Preface
11 Transcriptions
Bibliography of Works Cited
Index

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The Thirty-three Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli, Op. 120, represent Beethoven's most extraordinary achievement in the art of variation-writing. In their originality and power of invention, they stand beside other late Beethoven masterpieces such as the Ninth Symphony, the Missa Solemnis, and the last quartets. William Kinderman's study of the compositional history of the work includes the first extended investigation and reconstruction of the sketches and drafts, and reveals, contrary to earlier views of its chronology, that it was actually begun in 1819, then put aside, and completed in 1822-3. Kinderman also provides an analytical discussion of the complete work, and he demonstrates how insights derived from a close study of the sketches can illuminate Beethoven's compositional ideas and attitudes and contribute substantially to a better understanding of this massive and complex set of variations. The book includes complete transcriptions of the two central documents in the genesis of the Diabelli variations - the reconstructed Wittgenstein Sketchbook and the Paris - Landsberg - Montauban Draft.

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Contents