Thema

As Printed on a Score

Printed above the first system of a variation movement, often beside the tempo word (Thema. Andante), with Var. 1, Var. 2 and so on heading the sections that follow. It labels a section rather than giving a performance instruction, so nothing cancels it; the first variation heading simply takes over.

How Composers Use It

Label the theme when the movement is a set of variations, so the listener’s reference point is clear and the performer can shape it as the plainest statement. The theme should be complete in itself and simple enough to survive transformation; a binary theme with repeats gives each variation a ready frame. Italian scores print Tema, English ones Theme.

Example

Mozart, Piano Sonata No. 6 in D major, K. 284, third movement: “Thema” heads the finale beside “Andante”, at p — the statement on which the movement’s twelve variations are built.

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