Key tonality in Variations

Hello all,

I would like to ask you a question as I am a bit puzzled. I set myself the assignment to write a set of variations for string quartet on a Germand Folk tune which last 8 bars. The tune is in G (well at least in my score) and changes only briefly to D to return and end in G. So pretty normal.

When making the variations on this tune, are all the variations starting in G (or parallel keys i.e. g minor, e minor) or are you free to use whatever tonality you want? Is there a kind of set or "rules" (not the right word but would not know how else to call it) or is it up to the composer? I checked scores of other composers (Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Brahms, ...) and there it seems that most frequently they stay in the same key as the original, only using the parallel keys. Rachmaninoff - If I am correct in his paganini series - has them all in A minor except for 12-13 D minor 14-15 in F major 16-17 Bflat major, 18 D flat major, which is nearly 1/4 in a totally different key as the original.

It would be nice to know as it would give me some more depth in the composition; I thus could play around with the tonality as well as with the rythm or the harmony.

Kind regards and thank you for your help

Wolfgang Sachs

Generally, it depends on what you - as the composer - wish to do. As long as you prepare modulations, you are free to go to whichever key you choose. A good reference would be the many variations by Beethoven (he is considered to be one of the masters of variation form).

Generally, it depends on what you - as the composer - wish to do. As long as you prepare modulations, you are free to go to whichever key you choose. A good reference would be the many variations by Beethoven (he is considered to be one of the masters of variation form).

Thank you for your advice. It is greatly appreciated. I consulted Beethoven - well not all of his variations but a great deal of it - and he does both : staying in the same key but also using different keys, although in his greater variation works, he quite frequently returns in using the main key, i.e. the key in which the theme is set. It is nice to know that you can also use different keys without any problems. I can go ahead now and progress with my work. :-) Thank you

Wolfgang

The key thing to remember though, is that no matter what key you go to - you must always return to the home key at some point. This is highly important in establishing unity within your work.