Variations in Music

Which statements do not describe variation in music?

• Variation is a modification of the theme or motif

• Variation is different versions of the same theme or motif

• Variations are completely different from each other

• Variation sounds both different and similar

Listen to the theme and variation from "Victory Celebration" by John Williams.

What was changed or added in the variation?

• The notes in the beginning of the theme were played slower in the variation

• The notes in the beginning of the theme were played faster in the variation

• There were some quick notes added into the variation

• The tonality of the music was changed in the variation

How does the variation in music impact the overall composition of a musical piece?

• By adding complexity and interest contribute to the overall quality of music

• By making the music predictable and boring

• By eliminating any sense of continuity

• By having all instruments play the same notes

Which famous composers are known for their use of variations in music?

• Beethoven and Mozart

• Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson

• Taylor Swift and Beyoncé

• Justin Bieber and One Direction

What is an ostinato?

• Added notes to a theme

• A repeated note. Usually a bass note

• A long sustained bass note

• A pattern that repeats

What is a canon in music?

• An artillery weapon powered by explosive charges

• A type of work in which one melody is imitated by one or more voices

• When a rhythm or melody is repeated over and over again

• When different notes are played together to form a chord

What is tonality?

• Tonality is the organization of music around a central note or tonic.

• A key signature of a piece of music. Whether it is major or minor.

• Whether music is loud or soft.

• Notes that have rhythms that are off the beat.

What element can be used to change the variations in music?

• Speed

• Theme, motif

• Tonality, key signature

• Rhythm, time signature

Diminution is when notes in a theme are doubled in length/value

• True

• False

Augmentation refers to doubling the length/value of notes in the subject

• True

• False