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The 32 Variations in C minor is up there, definitely. I've heard that it's like a Baroque Chaconne(Variations on the melody over a repeated, usually short bass). But my favorites would have to include the 18 variations on the Ode to Joy theme of Beethoven's Ninth that I so carefully timestamped in the comments of this video and got a lot of thanks for: In fact, most of the Theme and Variations I have heard have been in the form of either symphony movements(Beethoven 3 and 9(both in the Finale after an intense start)), concerto movements(Mozart PC 24(Andante movement) and HC 2(the Rondo of HC 2 essentially is a Theme and Variations in disguise)), or Chaconnes of Bach and Pachelbel, and not an isolated Theme and Variations labeled such(although a few I listened to are like that including 32 Variations in C minor by Beethoven and 12 Variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by Mozart).

Nice and balanced piece.....

The Beethoven variations in C minor are definitely up there (as well as his Diabelli variations). My absolute favorite set of variations though is by a lesser known (and in my opinion, incredibly underrated) French pianist-composer, Charles-Valentin Alkan, his "etude" Le Festin D'Esope where each variation is supposed to represent animal from Aesop's fables. Here's a version with the sheet music. Though, this is the best overall performance of these variations in my opinion:

I know that "senza vibrato" can be inserted into a score, directing the players to play without vibrato, but I would like to know exactly how it is implemented: is it an expression, which is written in italics below the staff, or a technique, which is written in normal script above the staff? I have a feeling it's a technique, but I'm not sure, since it's not included in Finale's expression tool (which handles bot expressions and techniques). Also, how does one notate that the player should use vibrato as normal? I would assume it would be "con vibrato," but I don't play a bowed string instrument, so I can't be certain. I am, at this point, assuming that I will have to create my own expression or technique text, since it is not included in Finale's list of techniques or expressions. If there's a way to insert it into a score in Finale that I'm missing, however, please inform me. If you have any examples of this notation being used in a score, I would be most appreciative if you would please post a link to them. Thank you. :toothygrin: