Lesson 11 - Air and Variations

Question 0

What is meant by an Air and Variations or Theme and Variations?

Answer 0

An air either sung or played many times with variations each time to add interest.

Question 1

What is an air?

Answer 1

A melody or theme to be sung or played

Question 2

Name the four ways of changing an air:

Answer 2

Melodically
Harmonically
Rhythmically
Tonally

Question 3

Describe melodic change

Answer 3

Altering or decorating the melody

Question 4

Describe harmonic change

Answer 4

Changing the harmonies under the melody

Question 5

Describe rhythmic change

Answer 5

Altering the rhythm, duration

Question 6

Describe tonal change

Answer 6

Changing the key

Question 7

Examples of air and variations

Answer 7

Bach - Goldberg Variations
Handel - Suite No. 5 in E Major, Last Movement (The Harmonious Blacksmith)
Mozart - Sonata for Piano in A Major K. 331, 1st Movement
Beethoven - Sonata for Piano in A Flat Major Op. 26, 1st Movement; 32 Variations in C Minor
Brahms - St. Antoni Variations for Orchestra

Question 8

There is usually a break between each variation. Which composers had their air and variations as continuous?

Answer 8

Bolero and Ravel