Beethoven. Diabelli Variations op.120. Facsimile Edition

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Bonn, 2010. Veröffentlichungen des Beethoven-Hauses, III/19. Oblong format, 35 x 24 cm, 2 vols, 92, 72 & c.30 pp.

Color facsimile of the autograph working copy and the first edition (Vienna, 1823), based on the exemplar that preserves Beethoven’s handwritten dedication to Prince Lobkowitz. The Beethoven-Haus in Bonn acquired Beethoven’s working manuscript of this last great piano work and his most important cycle of variation in 2009, made possible through an unprecedented joint effort of noted artists and numerous public and private sponsors. The Diabelli Variations op.120 are in many respects extraordinary. The facsimile edition makes this important Beethoven autograph—formerly in private hands—accessible to musicians, scholars and music lovers. This unique autograph comprises 86 handwritten pages. Following the leaf with the prescribed Diabelli theme, it contains the complete cycle of 33 variations, and includes several inserted leaves. Beethoven’s compositional process can be recognized by means of the intensive corrections, the far-reaching conceptional alterations and editorial details down to the finest nuance. Introduction (Ger-Eng) by Kurt Masur, with contributions by William Kinderman, Michael Ladenburger and Bernard R. Appel. Wrappers. $215

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