Description
These are the Seven Variations on "God Save the King," WoO 78, composed around 1803. At about the same time Beethoven also wrote variations on another British patriotic song, "Rule, Britannia," WoO 79. Though without an opus number, the set shows his variation technique clearly.
It is in C major. Beginning with a stately, dotted-rhythm theme, the music is transformed through changes in texture and key across the variations, gradually gaining brilliance through added ornamentation and countermelodies. It lasts just over six minutes with 3,215 notes, and its range from F1 to F6 spans five octaves, the width of the keyboard on pianos of the time.
Rated intermediate, it offers a good introduction to the basics of variation technique. Since each variation sets a different task, first learn the theme well and listen for where it is hidden within each variation. Take the variations out one at a time with the A-B loop and check the ornamental figures at a reduced playback speed, and you can work through the set step by step, as if adding pieces to your repertoire.
Works written in theme-and-variations form, where a single melody is transformed in many different ways.
Browse all songs in Variations →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Born in Bonn and active in Vienna, Ludwig van Beethoven is among the towering figures in music history, bridging the Classical and Romantic eras. Despite losing his hearing in later life, he continued composing, pursuing innovative forms and intense emotional expression in his symphonies and piano sonatas. His beloved piano piece "Fur Elise" and his 32 piano sonatas remain widely performed. This site includes "Für Elise," the two sonatas of Op. 49, movements from his early piano sonatas, and sets of variations.
View all works by Beethoven →