Description
These are the Seven Variations on 'God Save the King,' WoO 78, composed around 1803. The stately, dotted-rhythm theme is transformed through changes in texture and key across the variations, gradually gaining brilliance through added ornamentation and countermelodies. Approachable for intermediate players, the work offers a good introduction to Beethoven's variation technique.
Works written in theme-and-variations form, where a single melody is transformed in many different ways.
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 features 96 of his works, including piano concertos and piano trios.
View all works by Beethoven →