The work consists of an eight-bar main theme and 32 variations. A chord progression in the left hand, based upon a descending chromatic bass, serves as an important structural device. The short and sparse melodic theme, as well as the emphasis on the bass line, reflect a possible influence of the chaconne[citation needed] and the Folia. The variations differ in character, technical difficulty and dynamics.
| Date of composition | 1806 |
| Type | Variations |
| Tonality | C Minor |
| Approx. duration | 11 minutes |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Autotranslations beta |
Ludwig van Beethoven: 32 Variations en do mineur Ludwig van Beethoven: 32 Variations in do minore Ludwig van Beethoven: 32 Variations c-moll |