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Stating a theme in longer note values (e.g., doubling all durations), making it slower and grander.
Augmentation transforms a theme by stretching it in time. A quick motif becomes a broad, noble statement. Use it in fugue (the subject in augmentation is a climactic device) or in symphonic development. The augmented theme can appear in the bass while shorter note values continue above.
Bach's Fugue in C-sharp minor, WTC Book I — the subject appears in augmentation in the climactic final section, creating a sense of grandeur.
Augmentation is one of 228 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary, where every definition is written around how composers actually use the word.
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