Variations in C Major (December 24, 1912 – February 5, 1915)

This work is relatively frequently performed. The theme is a hymn favored by his mother.

The following description is found on the cover of the autograph manuscript:

The song my mother loved.

The song that comforted my mother at her sickbed, with all her children gathered.

The song that choked me before her spirit on the evening she fell into eternal sleep.

Now, tracing those memories,

for my mother....

Furthermore, Yamada wrote about these variations [3]: “These variations are not variations in the so-called formal sense. I do not know how they will resonate with everyone, but at least I intended to express the diverse character of my mother through this short hymn excerpt. It goes without saying that their arrangement is based on musical sentiment.” He then described each variation as follows:

• No. 1 represents a quiet, devout, and religious mother.
• No. 2 is a light and healthy mother.
• No. 3 is a very meticulous and distinct aspect of the mother.
• No. 4 is her maternal love for children. It depicts the mother's heart watching over the face of an infant being rocked in a cradle.
• No. 5 is a part of the mother who is energetic and active. I wrote up to this point on December 24, 1912, and could not continue any further. Then, on February 5 of last year, I was able to complete from No. 6 to No. 10.
• No. 6 is a melancholic day of the mother.
• No. 7 expresses the mother's character, who was indeed a good conversationalist.
• No. 8 is the playful mother, frolicking with children.
• No. 9 is likely the mother's face, splendid and cheerful.
• No. 10 is nothing but my praise for my mother.

The autograph manuscript exists up to Var. 5, and the natural dynamic markings in the autograph were adopted. Furthermore, the initial tempo/expression markings for Variations 1 to 5 in the autograph manuscript are written in German, as follows:

• Var. 1: Ruhig (Quietly, calmly)
• Var. 2: leicht (Lightly)
• Var. 3: sehr rhythmisch (Very rhythmically)
• Var. 4: schwankend (Wavering)
• Var. 5: energisch (Energetically, full of spirit)

Additionally, Var. 6, Var. 7, and part of Var. 8 are written in the autograph manuscript but are crossed out with an 'X' mark. The pieces from Var. 6 onwards found in the copyist's manuscript and published editions were not present in the autograph manuscript.

Score Information

• Autograph Manuscript: Ms. 1054 (up to Var. 5)
• Copyist's Manuscript: Ms. 425 (complete work)
• Dai-ichi Hoki
• Hustle Copy Edition
• Shunjusha New Complete Works