Chapter 5 - Variation Forms Flashcards
What is variation?
Musical variation is a basic technique of changing the music melodically, harmonically, rhythmically or contrapuntally.
What is ground bass (or basso ostinato)?
Ground bass or basso ostinato (obstinate bass) is a type of variation form in which a bass line or harmonic pattern is repeated while the melodic voices develop and change above it.
What is passacaglia?
Passacaglia has a repeated bass line and is derived from an old Spanish dance in triple meter. In most instances, composers have made little distinction between passacaglia and ostinato. The bass line is based on a melodic theme presented at the beginning and repeated.
What is an example of passacaglia?
Bach, Organ Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor
Pachelbel, Canon
What is chaconne?
Chaconne is derived from an old dance, similar to passacaglia, with which it’s often confused. The chaconne is based on a harmonic theme, a succession of chords that serve as a harmoic foundation for the music.
What is the distinction between passacaglia and chaconnne?
The terms have been used interchangeably, but based on the Baroque concept of the two, the passacaglia is based on a melodic form that is usually presented alone at the beginning of the composition. The chaconne is based on a harmonic theme – a chord progression that repeats and serves as a harmonic foundation for the music.
What is a chorale-prelude?
A type of variation that precedes a chorale. It’s a composition for organ based on a chorale melody, designed to be performed before the chorale was sung by the congregation.
What is a chorale?
A German Lutheran hymn introduced by Martin Luther (1483-1546) for congregational singing in church services.
What are some general types of chorale-preludes?
- Harmonic, or contrapuntal, accompaniment is established as a framework for the chorale melody.
- Melodic embellishment of the chorale melody.
- Fugal treatment of each phrase of the chorale.
What is a theme and variation?
A musical work that has the statement of a theme in a simple, direct manner, followed by a number of variations. Each variation offers a new and distinctive treatment of the theme, either rhythmically, harmonically or melodically.
What is a “double”?
The French word “double” is an 18th-century term for a simple kind of variation, usually found in certain movements and dances of the Baroque suite, in which a sarabande or gavotte is repeated in a more elaborate and ornamental version.
What is a sarabande?
A triple-meter dance said to originate in Central America that was brought to Spain.
What were the movements typically in a Baroque Suite?
The Baroque Suite typically included allemande, courante, sarabande and gigue.
What are the two main types of theme-and-variation form?
- Small form
2. Complex form (originated in 19th century, greatly influenced by Beethoven):
What are the characteristics of the “small form” of theme and variations?
A short theme (often in two parts), followed by separate variations based on the theme. It follows the basic plan of the chaconne with its theme (harmonic) and separate variations, but it’s more concerned with the melody of the theme and with its theme and embellishment. Example: Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
