Variation Form

By Everett -
This image was taken from library.thinkquest.org
A Variations movement consists of a Theme, usually made up of four or eight-bar phrases, and several Variations, in which the Theme is elaborated, developed, and transformed (within the Theme's harmonic and melodic framework). Usually, a variations movement ends with a Coda, which is not confined to the harmonic framework of the Theme. 

 Variation form is a little different than the easier to write Ternary and Rondo, but it still has the same general idea.  There is a main theme, and in Variation form the that theme is the only theme.  It's normally a four or eight bar phrase.  After the theme is stated, there a several "variations" made to the theme as it is restated.  In the diagram above, the theme is restated three times, but the number of reinstatements is up to the composer.

Coda-"Wasn't That Was Sonata Form?"

Codas or finales, are indeed part of both Variation and Sonata form.  The coda in both forms is the finale, and should stick in the audience's head as they drive home from the concert.  

Structure

The structure of variation a movement will change depending on how many times the theme is reinstated.  For now, the diagram above will serve as an example.  There's a theme, A, and because the theme is changed three times afterword, the structure is AA2A3A4B.

Example of Rondo Form: Brahms's Fourth Symphony in E Minor, 4th Mvt.


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