33 Variations - Theme

Katherine: A music publisher by the name of Anton Diabelli.

Diabelli: An invitation! To the fifty GREATEST composers in Vienna. My dear musicians. I am enclosing in this letter a new waltz of my own making.

Katherine: He was a great music publisher, but not so great a composer.

Diabelli: I composed it but a few days ago. And I wish to invite each of you to compose one variation on my theme. Once I receive your variations, I will publish them in one handsome volume that I promise will be a beautiful and popular book.

Katherine: He knew it would sell well. After all, for the price of one book, the music lover would receive fifty compositions by the best composers in Vienna.

Diabelli: I hope you all will find in my waltz a worthy and inspiring theme.

Katherine: All of whom would have immortalized Diabelli’s tiny waltz.

Diabelli: And of course, I will compensate each of you for the variation that you contribute. I eagerly await your reply. Yours sincerely, Anton Diabelli. Music Publisher. Of the firm Diabelli, Cappi and company.

Katherine: That’s actually what his calling card said

Diabelli: Herr Schindler, I am asking but for one variation — just to have his name on it.

Schindler: l will be in your offices tomorrow at three o’clock.

Diabelli: For what purpose?

Schindler: Until then I remain most certainly yours, Anton Schindler. Friend of Beethoven.

Diabelli: Thank you, yes. I will see you then.