Theme & Variations

In this unit, you will learn about theme and variations as a compositional technique, compose a class theme, and create and perform group variations on that theme.

Listen:

We will listen to a few recordings of pieces composed with a theme and variations form.

• Russian Sailor's Dance, by Reinhold Gliere
• Variations on America, by Charles Ives
• The People United Will Never Be Defeated, by Frederic Rzewski

Analyze:

We will compile a list of ways these composers vary the theme as we listen to each piece.

Compose:

We will compose a class theme that everyone can play on recorder, xylophone, or ukulele.

Create:

The class will break into small groups, and each group will create a unique variation to the class theme, one or more techniques from our class list to vary the theme.

• Students may use any instruments available
• All group members must participate

Perform/Record

• As a class, we will perform our entire Theme & Variations composition.
  1. Class Theme
  2. Variation 1
  3. Variation 2
  4. Variation 3+
  5. Class Theme