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VARIATION

Volume 21 · 80 words · 1860 Edition

Music, means either the change induced upon a melody by embellishments given by the vocal or instrumental performer, or the new forms and more studied ornaments given by a composer to a theme of his own or to some popular air. Among instrumental variations, some of the most beautiful are to be found in Haydn's andante movements, and in Mozart and Beethoven's variations to their own andantes, or to popular themes on which they have displayed their skill and genius.