Variations on Folk Songs, Opp.105 & 107 for violin and piano by Ludwig van Beethoven
Urtext edition by Armin Raab, with fingerings by Klaus Schilde. Published by Henle
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was the most influential and admired composer of the Romantic Era, and is considered today to be among the greatest composers of classical music to ever live. His music is known variously for its compositional rigor, sublime beauty, organic development, gripping urgency, and life-affirming, universal humanism. He left a significant mark on almost every classical genre he worked in, from string quartets to symphonies.
On a request from Scottish folk-song collector George Thomson, Beethoven wrote a total of 16 variations on a variety of European folk songs, split across Op.105 (6) and Op.107 (10). Per Thomson, these were to be specifically geared toward amateur musicians--piano centric, but with an optional melodic instrument. True to Beethoven's independence, he only partially fulfilled this, making the partner instrument indispensable throughout. These variations can be performed on either flute or violin with piano; this Henle urtext edition by Armin Raab and Klaus Schilde includes proper notation for both. Includes marked and unmarked parts. Intermediate-advanced level, grade 4.
