Musical Variations: Types, Influences, and Forms

• Variatio means variety
• Variations involve altering the structure of a musical piece
• Such changes rank among the oldest formative elements

Types of Variations

• Variations can shape the entire piece or just segments
• Variations take thematic, cyclical, or evolutionary forms
• These are structured in series based on contrast
• Serialized variations can be organized in two ways:
  • Distinct, where each variation forms a separate, numbered part of the formal sequence
  • Continuous, where one variation transitions into the next

Influences

• The character of variation form relies on the state and type of compositional technique prevalent in a given historical period

Variation Forms by Era and Technique

Variations Based on Cantus Firmus

• Written from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period
• Popular Romanescas, folias, chorale melodies, songs or scales were used as cantus firmus

Ostinato Variations

• Includes Chaconne and Passacaglia
• Ostinato forms involve adding counterpoint to a constantly repeating theme, typically in the bass (basso ostinato)
• The harmonic plan of thematic elaboration remains unchanged
• OSTINATO is a consistent melodic-rhythmic or harmonic structure, repeated multiple times in a piece
• It can serve as the basis for ostinato variations within polyphonic variations

Melodic Variations

• Emerged as early as the 14th and 15th centuries
• Involved ornamenting or "coloring" polyphonic vocal works, adapted for organs and keyboard instruments
• In the Baroque era, they appear in the ornamental sections of suites, known as "doubles"
• Classicism saw further development of melodic variations, reaching its peak in the brilliant style

Variations Based on a Fixed Harmonic Structure

• Developed using the major-minor system
• From Beethoven's late period, it became a starting point for harmonic evolutionism
• The three-part structure initiated by Beethoven became established with:
  • an introduction
  • a series of variations
  • the finale in the 19th century

20th Century

• Utilized serial and punctualist techniques

Variation Form Appearance

• Can appear as an independent piece or as a hidden form within other compositions with different names like choral preludes, etudes, toccatas or symphonic poems
• It can also form part of cyclical pieces like suites, sonatas, and symphonies

Theme in Variation Form

• Simple, clear, and concise

Theme Structure

• Often maintained in a periodic (two- or three-part) structure

Theme Origin

• Can be original or borrowed from opera, folk music, or another composer

Theme State

• Can be:
  • single-voiced
  • multi-voiced (melodic-harmonic)

Theme Use in a Piece

• It is entirely subjected to changes
• A part of the theme or a distinctive melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic detail becomes the basis for evolutionary actions
• The theme appears as an ostinato

Theme Elaboration Methods

• Changes made to register and texture
• Figuration of the theme's melodic line
• Simplification of the interval structure
• Rhythmic alterations
• Significant interval changes
• Accent shifts