Violin Virtuosity in a Variation Form: Nicolò Paganini, Caprice Op. 1, No. 24

Marek Podhajski

The text presents a basic formal analysis of ornamental variations by N. Paganini, which the author refers to as melodic variations with a fixed harmonic plan. The principles of analysis and the method of presenting conclusions are based on the methodological approach used by the author in his teaching and outlined in his textbook for instructing students of various specializations (instrumentalists, conductors, composers, music theorists, etc.) in the analysis of musical works. The description of the work focuses on the variation techniques, primarily on figurative, ornamental formulations, according to specific models for each variation, closely linked to virtuoso violin technique.

Keywords: figuration, methodology of formal analysis, ornamental formulations, variation form

DOI: generating in process

Source(s), object(s) and method(s) of analysis
Source(s) of analysisScore
Year of creation1802–1817
Composer's nameNicolò Paganini
Target group / Study level
Level of Music Analysis knowledgeBeginner
Study cycleBachelor

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