Anton Diabelli: Seven Sonatinas Op. 168
Anton Diabelli (1781-1858) was an Austrian musician. Best known in his time as a publisher, he famously wrote a Waltz theme, and in a publicity stunt, sent it to 50 leading Austrian composers asking them to write a variation on it. However, Beethoven got carried away and wrote a complete set of 33 variations which now bear Diabelli’s name, consigning him to the same class of fame as Goldbach. These Seven Sonatinas (Op. 168) were written in 1839, and have remained popular examples of the Sonatina form. They are all in three movements, and follow a similar Moderato - Andante - Rondo structure.