variation

formvair-ee-AY-shunfrom Latin

An altered version of a musical theme, changing elements like melody, rhythm, or harmony while keepi‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌ng the underlying structure.

In Depth

A variation takes a theme and transforms it while preserving something essential — usually the harmonic structure, the melody, or the form.‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‍​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‍​‍​‌​‌​‌​‍​‌​‌​‍​‍​‌ The art of variation lies in balancing familiarity (the listener must recognise the theme) with novelty (each variation must offer something new). Variations can change almost anything: rhythm, tempo, key, mode, texture, dynamics, or character. A theme in C major might appear as a minor-key variation, a virtuosic fast variation, a lyrical slow variation, and a triumphant final variation. The form has attracted the greatest composers — Bach's Goldberg Variations, Beethoven's Diabelli Variations, and Brahms's Variations on a Theme by Haydn are landmark works.
Did you know?

Bach's Goldberg Variations were allegedly commissioned by an insomniac count who wanted music to help him sleep. The 30 variations that resulted are now considered among the greatest keyboard works ever written.

Related Terms

theme and variationsdevelopmentornament

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