Variations and Fugue in E-flat major 'Eroica', Op. 35
The Variations and fugue in Eb, Op. 35, are a set of fifteen variations for piano by Beethoven. Written in 1802, they are commonly known as the Eroica Variations, becacuse variations on the same theme were used as the finale for his Eroica Symphony composed the following year. There is some disagreement as to the procedence of the theme. It is widely accepted, however, that it is not by Beethoven himself, though he seemed to like as he used it a number of times throughout his career. The work presents some departures of the usual theme-and-variation form, like stating variations on the bass line before the theme, and finishing with a fugue followed by an andante con moto. The whole peice lasts about 25 minutes.