theme and variations

American  

noun

1. Music. a composition structure in which a relatively simple melody or theme is introduced and followed by a series of variations that develop the theme, involving changes in key, rhythm, ornamentation, or other elements.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• theme-and-variations
  adjective

Example Sentences

In a typical theme and variations form, a theme is heard straight through and then followed by a series of variations that spin off, play with, tweak or elaborate upon it.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2021

Sour Heart, the tremendous debut story collection by Jenny Zhang, is structured as a theme and variations, the theme being first-generation Chinese American daughters living in New York City.

From Slate • Aug. 24, 2017

Sonata form involves implicit narrative and forward motion; theme and variations is abstract, about itself, running through a string of permutations and returning to its origin.

From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2016

At sea, great whales sang theme and variations through thousands of miles of the abyss.

From The Guardian • May 30, 2013

Whether a piece of music is a march, a sonata, or a theme and variations, the composer is always free to experiment with the overall architecture of the piece.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones