7 variations on a theme in F

This is the first theme and variations I've composed. The theme is very simple and has an almost sarcastic tone but in retrospect I wish I polished the harmony before proceeding with the variations. 

The first two variations follow the usual pattern of triplets then syncopated rhythm. The third variation uses arpeggios in the manner of a harp, the fourth imitates the pattern in the famous bach prelude in C, the fifth is in the minor mode and uses a syncopated pedal, the sixth is the slow variation but i couldn't change the tempo on my midi program so I used a different meter to get around this problem, the final variation is like a fast waltz which leads into the coda.

I really enjoyed composing these variations and they are experimental so I don't know if they will please other's ears as they are not exactly in any one particular style.

It'd be great to hear what you think.

18 hours ago, Papageno said:

The first two variations follow the usual pattern of triplets then syncopated rhythm. The third variation uses arpeggios in the manner of a harp, the fourth imitates the pattern in the famous bach prelude in C, the fifth is in the minor mode and uses a syncopated pedal, the sixth is the slow variation but i couldn't change the tempo on my midi program so I used a different meter to get around this problem, the final variation is like a fast waltz which leads into the coda.

Really great job for a first theme and variations!  Your result ended up being quite musical rather than more of an exhaustive exercise.  You didn't cling to the theme but created new melodies similar to it or outlining it's contour.  The variation that I thought you took the most liberties with both harmonically and melodically is the 5th in the minor mode.

There are some minor technical criticisms though.  Your 2nd variation should be marked in 3/4 so that later on the left hand figurations don't get grouped into two groups of 3 eighth notes.  This isn't a syncopated or a hemiola variation - it seems more like you just changed to 3/4 and the whole variation should be in that meter.  Likewise, the 4th variation should be in 4/4 rather than 8/8 so that the eighth notes get grouped into two groups of four.  Another thing that bothered me is measures 115 through 128 in variation 6.  Even though there's an even number of measures, the phrasing just doesn't sit right with me.  I think it might have something to do with the similarity between measure 121 and 126.  They are almost identical but the first time it happens it's an odd numbered measure while the second time it's even.  Overall that whole phrase borders on being somewhat of a run-on sentence.  I don't know if I've adequately explained why it doesn't work which bothers me but there it is LoL.  That's too bad about your midi program not allowing tempo changes - that basically limits you to metric modulations which you've taken advantage of here.  I like the last variation - you filled out the notes in between the main theme's notes with extra scalar runs basically keeping the contour of the original theme.  Nice job overall!

8 hours ago, PaperComposer said:

Really great job for a first theme and variations!  Your result ended up being quite musical rather than more of an exhaustive exercise.  You didn't cling to the theme but created new melodies similar to it or outlining it's contour.  The variation that I thought you took the most liberties with both harmonically and melodically is the 5th in the minor mode.

Merry Christmas Paper', thank you so much for listening to my music and for your detailed feedback. It was a great present to open this morning!

I kick myself for the meter errors, its seems so obvious once you pointed them out. I'll take a look at the phrasing on the second section of the slow variation, I think you're right. I have an idea how to solve it and retain the developmental aspect I was looking for.