The Fifteen Variations (with Fugue) op. 35 composed in 1802 are known primarily by their sobriquet “Eroica Variations” because the theme is also used in the finale of the Third Symphony. Together with its sister work, opus 34, this composition marks the breakthrough of character variations. Not without pride did the composer stress to his publisher that both works were “arranged in a truly quite new fashion.” For the first time ever, the Eroica Variations are available in a standalone edition. The musical text of the Urtext edition, with extensive foreword and commentary, was prepared on the basis of the later Critical Apparatus of the Beethoven Complete Edition. The fingering comes from the esteemed hands of Ian Fountain.
