Lesson Plan

 

1.  So far we talked about Binary (A B ) and Ternary Form (A B A).  Today we will be talking about Theme and Variation Form.

 

Definition: Theme and Variation Form is when a melody (A) is play and then repeated, but each time it is repeated it is varied slightly (A' A'' A''' A''''...).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                 A                                                         A'                                                A''                                              A'''                                              A''''

 

 

     The Theme can  be varied in any way as long as the melody can be heard (i.e., a different key, tempo, meter, or use different harmony or ornamentation).  

 

 

2.  Theme and Variation Form can be found in both classical and popular music.  Let's listen to an example in each style.