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Advanced · 3 min

Keep an idea, change a feature

Variation changes a recognizable idea while preserving some of its identity. Rhythm, ornament, harmony, or instrumentation can change. Our example presents a short three-note idea twice. The second version keeps the same pitches in the same order but makes the last note longer. Identify both the continuity and the difference.

One idea, two versions

A three-note rising idea plays, followed by a pause and a second version. The pitches and their order stay the same; the last note is longer in the second version.

Practice

What changes in the described second version?