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A composer, as an homage to another composer may "borrow" a theme as a starting point for a set of "Variations", that is developing the theme in different modes, creating different ways to play it. There is some kind of showmanship in the process. I mean the composer is giving a free ride to his imagination to demonstrate how that theme, very offen a very simple one, can be played. The composer actually is using his "intellectual" powers, imagination, sensibility, to build up a monument with "simple" material. The number of variations may vary from 5 to 32 or more, each variation a micro composition on its own right, yet still dependant on the order of the other variations. That could be, e.g. for the piano solo, for a duo, such as piano and flute, or even for a trio , piano, vilolin and violoncello. Beethoven developped the technic, even varying the technic itself while varying a theme, working on his own original material, e.g. the "Eroica Variations" or the "32 Variations in C minor", or on themes by others, such as Righini, Händel, Mozart, Salieri, Diabelli , or an opera aria a folk melody, or a national theme, e.g. "Rule Britannia" or "God Save the King"etc. thus creating monumental compositions that demonstrate his creative powers and his musical genius. The "Eroica Variations" and the "Diabelli Variations" are among my favourites. I hope you will enjoy this playlist! Champagne will be served by my devoted butlers!