Variations sérieuses

Beethoven Monument in Bonn

Variations sérieuses,Op.54,MWVU 156, is a composition for solo piano byFelix Mendelssohnconsisting of a theme inD minorand 17variations.It was completed on 4 June 1841. A typical performance lasts about eleven minutes.

The work was written as part of a campaign to raise funds for the erection ofa large bronze statueofLudwig van Beethovenin his home town ofBonn.The publisherPietro Mechettiasked Mendelssohn to contribute to a 'Beethoven Album', published in January 1842, which also included pieces byLiszt,Chopin,Moschelesand others, of which the proceeds would go to the Monument.(Schumann'sFantasie in Cwas the final result of a work originally intended for the same purpose).

Mendelssohn is known to have written three sets of piano variations, but only this one was published during his lifetime.

Many of the variations require avirtuosotechnique. Mendelssohn's good friendIgnaz Moschelesstated "I play theVariations sérieusesagain and again, each time I enjoy the beauty again. "Ferruccio Busonialso liked the work very much. Many pianists have recorded it, includingVladimir Horowitz,Sviatoslav Richter,Alicia de Larrocha,Rena Kyriakou,Vladimir SofronitskyandMurray Perahia.

Structure

1. Theme: Andante sostenuto
2. Variation 1
3. Variation 2: Un poco più animato
4. Variation 3: Più animato
5. Variation 4
6. Variation 5: Agitato
7. Variation 6: A tempo
8. Variation 7: Con fuoco
9. Variation 8: Allegro vivace
10. Variation 9
11. Variation 10: Moderato
12. Variation 11: Cantabile
13. Variation 12: Tempo del Tema
14. Variation 13: Sempre assai leggiero
15. Variation 14: Adagio
16. Variation 15: Poco a poco più agitato
17. Variation 16: Allegro vivace
18. Variation 17
19. Coda: Presto

External links

• Variations sérieuses:Scores at theInternational Music Score Library Project