GlazunovŒÍs Theme and variations, Op 72, was written in 1900 and is one of three large-scale works for piano (the others being his two sonatas) completed during his last significant period as a composerŒ„1899 to 1906. Originally given the title ŒïVariations on a Finnish Folk SongŒÍ, the folksong used as its theme is the same one at the root of GlazunovŒÍs later Finnish Fantasy for orchestra. The work comprises a theme and fifteen variations and is undoubtedly one of his most successful and attractive forays into the piano medium.
