🇩🇪Ludwig van Beethoven ： Variations WoO 72 (Romance)

This work develops a theme from the Romance in Grétry’s opera Richard the Lionheart through eight variations. The approachable, songful theme changes from variation to variation through shifts in rhythm, figuration, register, and accompaniment texture, while retaining its recognizable outline. A particular point of interest is the contrast between the character of each variation and the continuity of the theme throughout the set. In performance, the melody should be shaped with a singing quality, with careful balance between inner voices and accompaniment, while bringing out each variation’s expression and rhythmic clarity.