Pre-Owned Haydn and the Classical Variation (Hardcover) 9780674383159

In this first full-cale examination of the theme-and-variations form in the Classical era, Elaine Sisman demonstrates persuasively that it was Haydn' s prophetic innovations - placing the variation in every position of a multi-movement cycle, broadening its array of theme types, and transforming its larger shape - that truly created the Classical variation.

She elucidates the concept and technique of variation, traces Haydn' s development and use of the form in symphonies, chamber music, and keyboard works, and then shows how Mozart and Beethoven in their individual ways built on his contributions.