Composition Assignment: Theme & Variations

This is your second composition assignment. Using your first composition as your theme, you will write two variations---one in diminution and one in augmentation. J.S. Bach used this composition technique frequently in his fugues.

This composition should be written using FINALE NOTEPAD or other music composition software. You can download a trial copy of Notepad at http://www.finalemusic.com/notepad/demo.aspx.

Check out the Finale Tutorial under "Useful Links" for help.

• The title should be [Name]'s Theme & Variations.


• Choose D Major and 4/4 as the key signature and time signature.


• Write out the original theme.


• For DIMINUTION, reduce the length of each note by half. So, if you used a quarter note originally, change it to an eighth note.


• For AUGMENTATION, increase the length of each note by double. If you used a half note originally, change it to a whole note.

This composition is due on Tuesday, September 27 (E Day).