• Theme & Variations. A theme (borrowed or original) is stated. The theme itself is often in Rounded Binary form. A set of variations based on the theme ensue. The form is: A A2 A3 A4 A5 . . . 

    In Variation three elements can be varied:

    • Melody
    • Harmony
    • Structure

    Depending on what elements remain constant there are different categories of variation

    Types of Theme and Variation

    • Cantus Firmus Variation or melodically-fixed variation
      • Only the melody is retained
      • A recognizable melody appears more or less intact in each variation
      • Structure and Harmony are altered
        • Example - Bach Chorale Preludes
    • Constant Harmony Variation or Harmonically-fixed Variation
      • Harmony and structure remain intact
        • Example - Goldberg Variations
    • Melodic Outline Variation or Melodico-Harmonic Variation
      • Harmony, Melody and Structure are retained
        • Melody is recognizable - Embroidery - embellishment - simplification
        • Example: Many Variations by Beethoven and Mozart
    • Free Variation:
      • A motive is used for free development
      • Neither melody, harmony or structure are constant.