Felix Mendelssohn
Variations Sérieuses
in D Minor, Op. 54
Mendelssohn's most important and forward-looking work; the title was deliberately chosen to distinguish it from the frequent, superficial "Variations brillantes" of the time.
Year: 1841
Period: Early Romantic
Piano score: Breitkopf & Hartel edition 
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A serious tribute to Beethoven
The Variations Sérieuses begin with a beautiful, plaintive theme in D-Minor, which then winds and wends its way through 17 transformations, while sustaining its earnest, poignant character. The work requires a considerable technique, but carefully avoids all superficial bravura.Background
The variations were composed for an anthology of works by renowned composers of the time, proceeds from the sales of which were intended for the erection of a Beethoven monument in Bonn. The theme-and-variations style was not one that Mendelssohn often made use of. But in 1841, he wrote three variation cycles for piano in quick succession. This one was the only one to be published during his lifetime, and is often considered Mendelssohn's most important piano work.Forum posts about this piece:
beethoven/mendelssohn by pianorahrah
Let's see how this turns...
Beethoven´s 32 varations WoO 80 and Mendelssohn´s variations seriuses Op 54. by Presto Agitato
Hello friends. In your opinion which ot these works is more difficult? Why? I really like both. Thnaks for your...
Mendelssohn's Variations Serieuses Op. 54 by orangesodaking
First post! So I have almost finished learning all the notes to Mendelssohn's [i]Variations Serieuses[/i], but the beginning of variation 17 has very rapid rolled tenths in the beginning of it,...
Mendelssohn Variations Seriouses by clara.schumann
Hello, i am currently playing the piece: variations seriouses by Felix Mendelssohn. if anyone here ever played this piece i would be glad if he'd help me- in the 13th variation the theme is in...
Assigned Mendelssohn's Variations Serieuses Op.54 by phil13
My teacher surprised me completely with this recommendation. I'm absolutely thrilled to be playing this masterpiece, and I've heard it's a very rewarding work. I threw the piece into...
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This piece is composed by Felix Mendelssohn and was published in 1841. Title: Variations Sérieuses, Op. 54 in D Minor . The difficulty level is around ABRSM grade 8+ and it belongs to the Early Romantic period.