12 Variations on the Russian Dance from 'Das Waldmädchen', WoO 71
Ludwig van Beethoven (1797)
Description
This variation set uses the 'Russian Dance' from Paul Wranitzky's ballet Das Waldmädchen as its theme. Around an exotically flavored melody, Beethoven spins out variations of shifting tempo and character, demonstrating his skill at adapting fashionable Viennese ballet music for the keyboard.
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.
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