32 Variations in C Minor (Beethoven) - Analysis

Analysis

The work consists of an eight-bar main theme and 32 variations. A chord progression in the left hand, based upon a descending chromatic bass, serves as an important structural device. The short and sparsely melodic theme, as well as the emphasis on the bass line, reflect a possible influence of the chaconne. The variations differ in character, technical difficulty and dynamics.

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