Variation (music)

In music, variation is a formal technique where material is altered during repetition; reiteration with changes. Changes may be harmonic, melodic, contrapuntal, rhythmic, and of timbre or orchestration. Variational sections depend upon one type of presentation of material, while developmental sections use many different presentations and combinations of material.

Related Topics:
Music - Repetition - Reiteration - Harmonic - Melodic - Contrapuntal - Rhythmic - Timbre - Orchestration - Developmental

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Variation form, or theme and variation, is a musical form where a theme is repeated in altered form or accompanied in a different manner. Passacaglias and chaconnes are forms in with a repeating bass line or ostinato is heard through the entire piece. Fantasia variation is a form which relies on variation but which repeates and incorporates material freely.

Related Topics:
Theme - Musical form - Passacaglia - Chaconne - Ostinato - Fantasia variation

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