Only very few piano works have become as popular as this theme with twelve variations. It already caught on soon after MozartÆs death, as witnessed by the numerous handwritten copies and prints. Although nothing is known with any certainty regarding its genesis, we can now conclusively date ôAh, vous dirai-je Mamanö to 1781. At that time Mozart wanted to make his way as a prominent piano teacher in Vienna. His variations still prove to be excellent teaching material. Our edition has been completely revised and also offers an extremely informative preface by the Mozart specialist Ulrich Konrad. A facsimile of MozartÆs manuscript is also published by Henle (HN 3213).
Mozart: 12 Variations on 'Ah, vous dirai-je Maman' KV 265 (300e)