Published title (1986)
Twelve variations on a theme
Published as 'Twelve Variations'.
Holographs
Composition draft
Draft with date and signatures. Includes a discarded section at the bottom of page 4r.
Pencil; 26.3 x 35.5 cm. Paper manufacturer = A L. See Title Page of Collected Volume.
'12 / Variations / on a / Theme / For Pianoforte / [signature]'.
Fair copy
Fair copy with date and signatures.
Black ink; 26.3 x 35.5 cm. Paper manufacturer = A L. See Title Page of Collected Volume
' 12 Variations on a Theme / for / Pianoforte / [signature]'.
Murray Perahia pf.
Murray Perihia pf.
Composed as part of Britten's studies with John Ireland at the Royal College of Music.
Feb-Mar 1974
For further details see individual movements.
The original slow movement (composed 15-18 May 1931) was discarded, although the draft survives in the archive (see Sources).
The work was given a private run-through by the Stratton Quartet on 16 March 1932. It was revised by the composer in 1974 as a first step towards returning to composition after his heart surgery the previous year. At Britten's request the Gabrieli String Quartet gave the work a run-through on 20 March 1974 in the Library at The Red House so that he could evaluate his revisions.