=Variations=.—Of numerous other piano compositions, the sets of Variations are prominent. He was fond of taking some short and simply constructed musical thought, sometimes from some song or opera, and treating it in every variety of manner that his fertile genius could suggest. Such compositions, while generally playful in mood, have the finish which Beethoven never failed to give to his work. =Beethoven’s Accuracy in Writing=.—It is this seriousness toward his art which most fully accentuates the real underlying drift of his nature. In the midst of his untidy ménage, when confusion of material goods reigned about him, Beethoven nevertheless treated each work which flowed from his pen with the most careful and critical revision, never allowing it to go out until he had absolutely fixed each note in its proper place. Where his art was involved, his usually irritable nature acquired a fund of patience; so that sometimes whole scores were rewritten, until he arrived at accurate expression; and, when that point was reached, his fiat was irrevocable. It is thus a satisfaction to note that he has not left us the erratic wanderings of an eccentric mind; but the completed and matured product of a genius, speaking with authority and precision. REFERENCES. Weitzmann.—History of Pianoforte Playing. Parry.—Evolution of the Art of Music, Chapter XII. Shedlock.—The Pianoforte Sonata, Chapter VII. Naumann.—History of Music, Vol. II, Chapter XXXII. Schindler.—Life of Beethoven. Other lives of Beethoven, especially that in Grove’s Dictionary. For musical illustrations, consult the works of Beethoven, especially the Pianoforte sonatas, published complete in all the cheap editions. QUESTIONS. Contrast Bach and Beethoven. Characterize Beethoven’s three periods. What was the greatest means of expression in Beethoven? What was the value of his work for the piano in relation to the orchestra? What was the effect of the improvements in the piano of Beethoven’s time over that of Mozart? Give a statement of the Sonata as constructed by Beethoven. What changes did he introduce: Key relationship? Number of movements? What qualities are found in his first movement form? How does he secure great unity and continuity of idea? How does he secure dramatic expression? Where does he introduce bold modulations? With what effect? What use did Beethoven make of the program idea? Tell about his Concertos. His Variations. LESSON XXXIV. THE VIOLIN AND ITS MAKERS.