Variation

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.Variation forms include ground bass, passacaglia, chaconne, and theme and variations (Copland 2002, p.115). Theme and variations is a musical form in which the fundamental musical idea, or theme, is repeated in altered form or accompanied in a different manner. It could be used as a solo piece or as movement of a larger piece. Passacaglias and chaconnes are forms in which a repeating bass line or ostinato is heard through the entire piece. Fantasia variation is a form which relies on variation but which repeats and incorporates material freely.