Theme and variations
A tune transformed several times over the same framework.
- Category
- Form and analysis
- First taught in
- 6.6 Follow a theme through its variations
- Theory cards
- Theme and variations (Level 6)
- What a variation keeps (Diploma)
- Grouping a variation set (Licentiate)
- A variation set's trajectory (Fellowship and Concert)
In the lessons
4 lessons and 4 pieces where the Method teaches or uses it, in teaching order.
| Lesson | Lesson and piece |
|---|---|
| 6.6 | Follow a theme through its variationsAir avec variations (Aylesford Piece 16), Aylesford Pieces, George Frideric Handel |
| D.6 | Vary a line over a continuing bassBerceuse in D-flat major, Op. 57, Frédéric Chopin |
| L.9 | Trace thematic variation into a dense codaBallade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52, Frédéric Chopin |
| C.1 | Hear an entire variation cycle as one workGoldberg Variations, BWV 988 — complete cycle, Johann Sebastian Bach |
In Musicianship
The units whose theory questions ask about it.
| Unit | Title |
|---|---|
| 6.6 | Dots and syncopation |
| D.6 | Chromatic bass lines |
| L.9 | German and French sixths |
| C.1 | A variation cycle |
Related ideas
In the app, the Theory library has the whole cards, with their questions, and a deep dive into this idea. The glossary from A to Z
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