There are 30 variations—that is, 30 repetitions of the ground bass theme with ever-changing materials around it—that can be organized into 3 distinct groups. Variations 1–11 are all set in E minor and are generally monumental in expressive impact and tone. In variations 4–7, the dramatic momentum really starts to build. The second large grouping of variations consists of variations 12–15. These 4 variations are quieter, more lightly scored, and double the length of the rst 11 variations. Variation 12 features an achingly melancholy solo ute. The mode switches to E major for