Today we are continuing our exploration of the influence of Beethoven on later composers, especially Brahms, by listening to some compositions of each, which are in the popular category of Theme and Variations.
Three sets are by Beethoven, based on God Save the King, Rule Britannia, and one of his themes.
The other major work today is Brahms’ Theme and Variations on a theme of Handel’s.
This, along with my comments are designed to give you an insight into this centuries old structure, popular with audiences, composers and performers alike for hundreds of years! Rudolf Buchbinder & Ludwig van Beethoven - Beethoven_ 7 Variations on God Save the King in C Major, WoO 78 · Rudolf Buchbinder & Ludwig van Beethoven - Beethoven_ 6 Variations on an Original Theme in F Major, Op. 34 · Murray Perahia & Johannes Brahms - Händel Variations, Op. 24 · Rudolf Buchbinder & Ludwig van Beethoven - Beethoven_ 5 Variations on Arne's Rule Britannia in D Major, WoO 79
