abstract
in the first meeting of my first-semester theory class, i often examine the opening eight measures of the adagio variation of mozart’s so-called “twinkle variations,” k. 265. presenting the excerpt as a detective story, in which the class seeks to discern the theme that structures the ornate variation (even in its absence), has proven a compelling way to discuss a handful of important topics that are treated more completely later in the theory curriculum. the foreshadowed topics include theme and variations form; triadic arpeggiation; melodic shape and gesture; cadence; ornament; melodic fluency; gap/fill; musical topic; and genre. the lesson has two further benefits: first, it is a productive way of breaking the ice on the first day of class: the ludic approach (and the beauty of the variation) make it easy to get a discussion going about a piece of eighteenth-century instrumental music. and second, it tacitly functions as a diagnostic, in that it allows me to measure the abilities and backgrounds of entering students quickly in a low-pressure situation. in this lesson plan, i sketch the order and manner in which i present the material to my first-day theory class.
recommended citation
guez, jonathan
(2019)
"discerning the theme in a galant variation by mozart: a detective story for the first day of theory class,"
journal of music theory pedagogy: vol. 33, article 15.
available at:
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/jmtp/vol33/iss1/15
