Variations, Op. 66, WoO. 45, 46 - Cello and Piano

Beethoven’s three sets of cello variations comprise the "Twelve Variations on a Theme from Handel’s Oratorio 'Judas Maccabeus’” (WoO 45), the "Twelve Variations on the theme 'Ein Madchen oder Weibchen’” (op.66) from Mozart’s opera "Die Zauberflote” and the "Seven Variations on the duet 'Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen’” (WoO 46), also from "Die Zauberflote”.

These works have existed in many different editions, some of which have from time to time been (tacitly) reprinted with corrections to keep up to date with the latest scholarship. This new Barenreiter Urtext edition, however, is the first to give all Beethoven’s rhythms in the violoncello part correctly. Beethoven’s autograph manuscript of op.66 is lost; the critical commentary (English) includes a complete facsimile of the violoncello part from the only surviving source (the first edition), illustrating the various problems encountered in determining the best musical text.

• With numerous corrections in the violoncello part
• Included in the critical commentary is a complete facsimile of the violoncello part of op. 66, as it appeared in the first edition