Table of Contents

Editor's Preface Introduction Part I: The Process of Composition 1: The Interrupted Genesis of the Variations 2: The Early Sketches (1819) 3: The Late Sketches (1822-1823) Part II. The Compositional Style 4 5: The Importance of Parody 6: Beethoven's Treatment of the Theme 7: The Opening Variations 8: The Middle Variations 9: Consolidation and Transfiguration Part III: Transcriptions of the Sketches 10: Preface 11: Transcriptions Bibliography of Works Cited Index

About the Author

William Kinderman is Professor of Music at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His books include Beethoven (OUP, 1995), Artaria 195: Beethoven's Sketchbook for the Missa solemnis and the Piano Sonata in E Major, Opus 109, and Mozart's Piano Music (OUP, 2006), and he has written or edited numerous works on many other composers and pieces. An outstanding pianist, Kinderman has recorded Beethoven's Diabelli
Variations and the last sonatas for Hyperion / Helios records; his acclaimed studio recording of the Diabelli Variations has recently been reissued together with a live lecture recital as a double CD on Arietta Records.

Reviews

Praise for William Kinderman's recording of the Diabelli Variations: "The most outstanding Diabelli Variations to have appeared in age"--The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs
"As a scholar-performer Kinderman can be said to command the field at the moment."--Gramophone
"A solid and detailed study....There is much of interest here for scholars and inquisitive performers alike, and the book is recommended for graduate libraries and strong undergraduate collections."--Choice
"William Kinderman is a very rare bird. His book on Beethoven's Diabelli Variations must be one of the best monographs a musical masterpiece has ever received."--Alfred Brendel
"Yields valuable information and provocative commentary that should fascinate a wide audience....Greatly enhances an understanding of the Diabelli Variations."--The Beethoven Newsletter


Praise for William Kinderman's recording of the Diabelli Variations: "The most outstanding Diabelli Variations to have appeared in age"--The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs
"As a scholar-performer Kinderman can be said to command the field at the moment."--Gramophone
"A solid and detailed study....There is much of interest here for scholars and inquisitive performers alike, and the book is recommended for graduate libraries and strong undergraduate collections."--Choice
"William Kinderman is a very rare bird. His book on Beethoven's Diabelli Variations must be one of the best monographs a musical masterpiece has ever received."--Alfred Brendel
"Yields valuable information and provocative commentary that should fascinate a wide audience....Greatly enhances an understanding of the Diabelli Variations."--The Beethoven Newsletter

Praise for William Kinderman's recording of the Diabelli Variations: "The most outstanding Diabelli Variations to have appeared in age"--The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs
"As a scholar-performer Kinderman can be said to command the field at the moment."--Gramophone
"A solid and detailed study....There is much of interest here for scholars and inquisitive performers alike, and the book is recommended for graduate libraries and strong undergraduate collections."--Choice
"William Kinderman is a very rare bird. His book on Beethoven's Diabelli Variations must be one of the best monographs a musical masterpiece has ever received."--Alfred Brendel
"Yields valuable information and provocative commentary that should fascinate a wide audience....Greatly enhances an understanding of the Diabelli Variations."--The Beethoven Newsletter