LESSON 3

VARIATION FORM

Ø Variation form is a musical idea repeated throughout the melody in different ways. Some of the ways that create a variation to the musical idea are its rhythmic pattern, ornamentation, and mode change. There are two primary types of various forms: continuous and sectional variations.

This image of the Theme and Variation shows the theme below. Above are the variation, and the notes highlighted in red are the corresponding notes from the theme. 

http://www.raymelograne.com/uploads/5/8/3/0/5830182/4943018_orig.jpg

 

 

Ø Continuous variation is a style developed throughout the Baroque period under two forms, the ground bass, also called passacaglia and chaconne. 

 

Ø Ground bass or passacaglia features a repetition in the bass line with its variation in the upper voice. At times, the upper voice takes on a portion of the bass line repetition that can be as long as a phrase and sometimes overlaps.

In this image of Passacaglia, also known as Ground bass, notice in the bass line how it is repetitional, and the upper voice is taking on portions of the bass line.

 

https://harpcolumn.com/music/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/04/Passacaglia-Harp-1-615x800.png

 

 

Ø A Chaconne, the bass line may be the same throughout several variations. Typically, there is a slight change harmonically, rhythmically, or inversion, which occurs as the melody progresses. At the same time, the harmonic progression comprises different variations as it's repeated. 

This image of Chaconne shows the rhythmic changes between each variation. 

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0b/ed/4d/0bed4dc69475df65c63639f2573a1651.png

 

Ø Sectional variation came about during the classical period, and it is well organized. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish between the theme and variations. For the most part, there is some form of marketing like repeat signs or double bar lines between each variation. 

This image of sectional variation shows how it is well organized. Also, you would notice that there are double bar lines between each of the variations, and their rhythmic patterns are also different. 

https://musescore.com/static/musescore/scoredata/gen/4/1/7/5714714/01a6adb007ee770a2021e38539ac90ebd7f735ee/score_0.png@850x1100?no-cachee=1571594513

In this video, You are going to view:

Different ways to vary the melody.

The description of a musical idea.

Amazing Grace used to demonstrate variation.

I'm going to load deck variation.

The use of embellishment.

Rhythmic variation.

Corey Henry uses jazz to Improvise Amazing Grace with different variations.

Ground base.

Basso Ostinato

Chaconne

Passacaglia

The use of a fragment from the theme and increasing its speed.

Fliping a fragment

Timber variation.

In this video, you would be able to view:

Different areas bring variation to the theme.

Notes added to the melody.

Change of key signatures.

Change of time signature.

Change of rhythm.

Change of chords.

Modification to the texture.

The things you will view take place through a listening example by Ben Dunnett.

The theme of this arrangement is that "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," a Traditional Spiritual. I had arranged it for a second time, ending with a variation.

In this video, I perform the arrangement above; He's Got The Whole World In His Hands.