Developing variations: : An analytical and historical perspective

Abstract: ABSTRACT Berk Sirman: Developing Variations – An Analytical and Historical Perspective. Uppsala Universitet: Institutionen för musikvetenskap, uppsats för 60 p., 2006. Developing variations is a term by Arnold Schönberg that is coined to describe constant modification of motives and ideas in a theme, or possibly throughout the whole work. This is thought to be superior to exact repetitions. Developing variations was used by Schönberg to analyze the music of Brahms, whose compositions represented the most advanced form of developing variations. This paper investigates the analytical grounds of developing variations and historical criticisms against it, mainly on the charge of anachronism. Historical criticisms are valid, but developing variations is analytically sound nevertheless. Therefore it is not undermined by such criticisms.