Beethoven's Ukraine Connection: New Light on the Creation of his Flute Variations Opp. 105 and 107

Authors

Barry Cooper, University of ManchesterFollow

Abstract

Two previously unidentified groups of sketches are revealed to be preliminary work for Beethoven’s last set of Flute Variations, Op. 107 No. 3. The theme is of Ukrainian origin, and the new discoveries are placed in the context of other manuscript material relating to the creation of the sixteen sets of flute variations, Opp. 105 and 107, which were commissioned by George Thomson. The extent of this preliminary work for Op. 107 No. 3 suggests that Beethoven spent much effort preparing the sixteen sets as a whole, and that the dearth of other sketches for them is probably due to the loss of at least one pocket sketchbook and one desk sketchbook.

Recommended Citation

Cooper, Barry (2024) "Beethoven's Ukraine Connection: New Light on the Creation of his Flute Variations Opp. 105 and 107," Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies Publications: Vol. 36, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55917/2771-3938.1006
Available at: https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/beethovenjournal/vol36/iss1/2