Study of the sketches for Beethoven's Diabelli Variations reveals that the variations were composed in two stages, before and after the composition of the Piano Sonata Op. 111. In view of this, the melodic shape of Diabelli's theme can be seen as a clear model for that of the Arietta of Op. 111, while at the same time the Arietta influences the structure and character of the variations composed after the sonata. This is especially true in the case of the final, thirty-third variation; by almost literally quoting the Arietta, this causes the entire set to constitute both a musical and numerical "postscript" to the 32 sonatas.

Works: Beethoven: Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 111, Thirty-Three Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli, Op. 120.

Index Classifications: 1800s

Contributed by: J. Sterling Lambert