Variations pour piano

en mi bémol majeur, op. 83


(édition scientifique)

We know of six works for piano solo by Reicha having “Variations” in the title. The first is the opening movement of the Sonata in F major, written in about 1800 and based on a theme by Mozart. It has four variations and no coda. As well as Variations on a theme by Gluck op. 87, Variations on the air Charmante Gabrielle op. 85, and the present edition, we have two works on a much greater scale, each having 57 variations, namely, L’Art de varier, op. 57, published in 1803, and Variations on a theme by Grétry, op. 102 of 1824.

Michael Bulley