Principles of Variation Form Analysis: Melodic Variations with a Constant Harmonic Plan

Marek Podhajski

The author formulates the principles of variation form analysis — at both the preliminary and the main stage — as applied in his own teaching practice and presented in his textbook. This methodology organizes the presentation of the analysis, covering such issues as: analysis of the theme, ways the theme is used or transformed within the form, characteristics of the formal structure of the cycle, and means of variation technique. The subject of this analysis is the specific characteristics of the form of melodic variations from the classical repertoire — the 1st movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata KV 331. The author focuses on variation techniques descriptions, primarily on melodic figuration in piano texture.

Keywords: figuration, methodology of formal analysis, Mozart W. A., variation form

DOI: generating in process

Source(s), object(s) and method(s) of analysis
Source(s) of analysisScore
Year of creation1783?
Target group / Study level
Level of Music Analysis knowledgeBeginner
Study cycleBachelor

Related books and articles / parts of books

Related terms

Related articles in the HarMArchive