32 Variations on an Original Theme in C minor, WoO 80 (Variationen über ein eigenes Thema), is a piano work by Beethoven, composed in 1806 and consisting of an eight-bar theme and 32 variations. A chord progression in the left hand, based upon a descending chromatic bass, serves as an important structural device. The short and sparsely melodic theme, as well as the emphasis on the bass line, reflect a possible influence of the chaconne. The variations differ in character, technical difficulty and dynamics. Typically, performances of this piece last from 10 to 12 minutes.
