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Classical Music Online Lesson |
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Theme
and Variations
| Theme |
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A
musical idea that all or part of a
composition is based. In discussing
pieces or movements the word theme is often
used to describe something that is the same. |
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| Variations |
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One
of the earliest musical forms. A
melody is presented and is then repeated as
many times as the composer wishes but in an
altered or changed way.
The
theme may be binary (AB) or ternary (ABA).
There are countless ways in which it may be
varied. The most important include:
- decorating
the theme with ornaments or extra
notes
- presenting
it in the opposite mode (from a major
key to a minor key)
- changing
the harmony, rhythm, metre or speed
- hiding
the theme by putting it in the bass or
another part
- imitating
the theme or turning it upside down
- adding
another melody above the theme - known
as a counter melody
- making
the theme disappear but keeping the
same harmonies or rhythm
- changing
the instruments the piece is written
for e.g orchestra - piano solo
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