32 Variations in C minor (Beethoven)

32 Variations on an Original Theme in C minor, WoO 80 (German: 32 Variationen über ein eigenes Thema), is a composition for solo piano by Ludwig van Beethoven, written in 1806.

A chord progression in the left hand, based upon a descending chromatic bass, serves as an important structural device.

The short and sparse melodic theme, as well as the emphasis on the bass line, reflect a possible influence of the chaconne[citation needed] and the Folia.

[1] The variations have been called "Beethoven’s most overt pianistic homage to the Baroque.

Pianist Yue Chu points out that the key of C minor indicates that "Beethoven was serious when composing this work," despite his apparent misgivings later.