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Classical · variations

Six Variations in D major, Op. 76

Ludwig van Beethoven · Level 8, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A variations theme that later became a Turkish march. Six Variations in D major, Op. 76 is a variations by Ludwig van Beethoven from the Classical era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 8, an estimate.

On this page
  • variations
  • Classical
  • grand

History

Beethoven sketched these variations in 1809 and probably completed them early in 1810. They appeared in London that August, with the German edition following in November or December. In 1811 he reused the theme for the Turkish March in The Ruins of Athens.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Short chord calls form the theme

    Hear the firm theme through its two repeated halves and distinct response endings.

  2. A singing variation rolls underneath

    Variation III places paired singing notes over rolling lower voices. Listen to their different scale of motion.

  3. Presto expands the theme’s calls

    The sixth variation develops theme-like gestures in three-beat writing. Hear the repeated continuation without treating its local pickup as the work opening.

  4. The theme returns with an extended answer

    Tempo I restores the theme in two-beat writing with more ornament and register contrast. Hear that expansion reach the detached ending.

How to practise it

Recurring higher pair over a low repeated pitch; low octave reinforcement at the returning group.

  1. Practise the repetitions lightly and sing their higher outline, avoiding a heavy new accent on every repeated group.
  2. Compare the reinforced returns with the single low notes in a slow rehearsal, keeping the contrast audible without exaggerating volume.

How hard is it

Level 8, estimated

A sequence of increasingly active variation textures requires coordinated chordal and figurative playing with distinct character.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Ludwig van Beethoven, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
Themes transformed
Licence
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

More by Ludwig van Beethoven

  1. Minuet in E-flat major, WoO 82Level 4, estimatedWith Maestro
  2. Für Elise (Bagatelle in A minor), WoO 59Level 5, estimatedOpen to everyone
  3. Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57, III. Allegro, PrestoLevel 10, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Recurring higher pair over a low repeated pitch; low octave reinforcement at the returning group.

Practise it in PlayPiano