Variations on a Swiss Song
The Six Variations on a Swiss Song WoO 64 are an early work of variations by Ludwig van Beethoven for piano or harp, written at the beginning of the 1790s .
The 11-bar theme , which Beethoven set in strict two-part voices, is based on a Swiss folk song published in 1781. His text reads: It would have 'e' Buur e 'Töchterli, by name it is called Babeli, she had a couple of braids, they are like gold, that's why he is also dear .
The Six Variations on a Swiss Song are Beethoven's second cycle of variations (the Dressler Variations WoO 62 on a March by Ernst Christoph Dressler were written around 1782 ). They are dated from 1790 to 1792 and were made during Beethoven's time in Bonn before he moved to Vienna . Because of their brevity and the low pianistic requirements, the variations in F major are still often used in piano lessons today.
The original manuscript is kept in the Beethoven House in Bonn . Because of the careful handwriting, which deviates significantly from that of Beethoven's later manuscripts, the authenticity (which has since been confirmed) was temporarily doubted or the copy by a copyist was accepted. The first print appeared in 1798 in the publishing house founded by Nikolaus Simrock in Bonn 5 years earlier .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Preface to: Henle Album. Piano music from Bach to Debussy. G. Henle Verlag 951