Twelve Variations on "See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes" from Handel's Judas Maccabeaus, WoO 45 for cello and piano by Ludwig van Beethoven
Edited by Daniel Morganstern. Published by International
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was the most influential and admired composer of the Romantic Era, and is considered today to be among the greatest composers of classical music to ever live. His music is known variously for its compositional rigor, sublime beauty, organic development, gripping urgency, and life-affirming, universal humanism. He left a significant mark on almost every classical genre he worked in, from string quartets to symphonies.
Beethoven made significant contributions to the Romantic cello repertory. He is most known for his cello sonatas, but he also composed several lighter, more carefree sets of variations on opera themes, possibly for King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia. Beethoven had high esteem for Handel, as did the king, so it is not surprising that he should choose a tune from a Handel oratorio for this set of variations, WoO 45. In this case, it is ''See the conqu'ring hero comes'' from Judas Maccabeaus. This is the most technically accessible of the three sets of variations. Edited by Daniel Morganstern. Intermediate level, grade 4.
