Variations on La Folia: Level 9 Sequence Document Variations on La Folia, by Fernando Sor, is a Theme and Variations based on a popular renaissance tune. Here, it is arranged for all Level 9 players. All parts read in upper positions and the pace is very demanding in the variations. Begin by learning the Theme. The ensemble should be able to sight read this section at a slow tempo. Feel free to take time between variations. A short breath between variations can enhance the change. Variation I is very quick and parts 1 and 2 play the exact same rhythm. Rehearse these two parts together for rhythmic accuracy at a slow tempo. Variation II is legato and in stark contrast to the first. A color change to tasto would be appropriate here. Variation IV is a triplet variation that is especially demanding for Part 3. Many of the triplets form chord shapes that can be held down to create a more legato style.
Cultural/Historical Context: La Folia is a popular Rennaissance theme that many composers have drawn from including Rodrigo and Miguel Llobet. Llobet wrote a theme and variations inspired by the Sor variations. One of the variations is for the left hand alone and would be very interesting for the students to hear. Listen to Lorenzo Micheli play the Llobet variations and have the students compare the two pieces.