musical variation

[/ˈmjuːzɪkəl ˌvɛriˈeɪʃən/]
nounfemininepl: musical variations / variações musicais
variação musical
1. A compositional technique where a melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic theme is repeated with alterations in pitch, rhythm, instrumentation, or harmony
The composer employed musical variation throughout the symphony, transforming the main theme in each movement.
O compositor empregou variação musical ao longo da sinfonia, transformando o tema principal em cada movimento.
2. A piece or section of music that presents a modified version of a previously stated theme
The second variation of the theme featured a different key and orchestration.
A segunda variação do tema apresentava uma tonalidade e orquestração diferentes.
3. The act or process of changing or modifying musical elements while maintaining recognizable connections to the original material
Through musical variation, the simple melody became increasingly complex.
Através da variação musical, a melodia simples tornou-se cada vez mais complexa.
Musical variation is a fundamental concept in both classical and popular music traditions. In Brazil, this technique is particularly significant in bossa nova, samba, and choro, where musicians regularly improvise variations on traditional themes. In the United States and Europe, variation forms such as 'Theme and Variations' have been central to classical composition since the Baroque period, notably used by composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
theme and variationmodificationdevelopmentelaborationtransformation
Antonyms / Antônimos
repetitionexact restatementliteral repetition

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
variação musical
Standard term used in musical education and composition contexts
Portugal
variação musical
Same usage as in Brazil; classical music terminology remains consistent across Portuguese-speaking regions
São Paulo
variação musical
Common in conservatories and formal music theory instruction
Rio de Janeiro
variação musical
Used in samba and bossa nova contexts as well as classical music

Related Words

thememelodycounterpointmodulationorchestrationcompositiondevelopment sectionmusical form

Related Idioms & Phrases

on the theme of variation
with variations
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →