Description
This variation set takes its theme from the aria 'La stessa, la stessissima' in Salieri's opera Falstaff. Composed in 1799, during the period Beethoven was establishing his reputation in Vienna, it playfully transforms a popular operatic tune of the day, showing the young composer's wit and growing technical command of variation writing.
Works written in theme-and-variations form, where a single melody is transformed in many different ways.
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 →