Variations on a Theme by Haydn for orchestra, Op. 56a

Original title: Variationen über ein Thema von Haydn.

Scoring: orchestra.

The theme is the St Anthony Chorale from a wind partita attributed to Haydn in Brahms’s time; that attribution is...Read more

Original title: Variationen über ein Thema von Haydn.

Scoring: orchestra.

The theme is the St Anthony Chorale from a wind partita attributed to Haydn in Brahms’s time; that attribution is disputed. The work contains the theme, eight variations and a finale. Brahms made versions for orchestra, Op. 56a, and for two pianos, Op. 56b, both in 1873.

First performance: 1873-11-02, Vienna, Großer Saal des Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde (Op.56a).

Movements / numbers:
1. Theme . Andante
2. Variation 1 . Poco più animato
3. Variation 2 . Più vivace
4. Variation 3 . Con moto
5. Variation 4 . Andante con moto
6. Variation 5 . Vivace
7. Variation 6 . Vivace
8. Variation 7 . Grazioso
9. Variation 8 . Presto non troppo
10. Finale . Andante

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