Reinvention of the Classical Variation Form in Beethoven's 'Diabelli Variations'

The Thirty-three Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli, Op. 120 represents a crystallization of Beethoven's most original style of variation-writing. His signature compositional technique---motivic development largely replaces the conventional decorative treatment of the theme and generates a unique variation system in this colossal variation set. This study analyzes the motivic development of the Diabelli Variations using the principle of developing variation coined by Arnold Schoenberg. For a better understanding of Beethoven's innovative treatment of the theme, the author first examines Diabelli's waltz of its formal structure and conventional features with the application of Robert Gjerdingen's historically-informed schematic analysis. In the subsequent analysis of the variations, the author summarizes Beethoven's motivic treatment of the thirty-three variations in four stages, providing an analytical discussion of each of the variations. This analysis illuminates how Beethoven expands the scope and variety of the classical variation form through the development of the basic ideas of the theme.