Ludwig van Beethoven

Variations on Folk Songs Op. 105 + 107

Beethoven's Variations on Folk Tunes for piano alone or with flute accompaniment (Six varied themes op. 105 and Ten varied themes op. 107), although late works, are in the tradition of early Classical compositions for a melody instrument and piano, in which the piano dominated and the melody instrument played the accompanying role. Accordingly, the technical demands on the flute are rather restrained. However, the piano part also shows that Beethoven - as in his bagatelles - knew how to write for musical enthusiasts. The demands of the piano part also rarely exceed a medium level of difficulty. In terms of compositional content, however, the pieces are of a high standard. It is precisely this - sophisticated musicality with only moderate technical difficulties - that should also be of interest to today's 'aficionados' and encourage them to make music together.