Ballade in the Form of Variations

"Ballade in the Form of Variations on a Norwegian Folk Song" in G minor, Op. 24, is a large scale work by Edvard Grieg. It is in the form of theme and variations, the theme being the Norwegian folk song "Mountain Song". A performance usually lasts over 20 minutes.

The theme is first introduced in 3/4 time. It is marked Andante espressivo. The theme is haunting and sad, and has much lyrical beauty.

The first variation marked poco meno Andante, ma molto tranquillo, introduces the harmonic chord patter in triplets.

The second variation branches of the first and is marked allegro agitato. The time changes to 9/8. This variation requires much virtuosity, having daring jumps in the left hand. The chord patterns are the same as the first variation.

The third variation in contrast to the preceding agitato, is a calm adagio marked moto espressivo. It is a slow movement that introduces a new melody very similar to the theme, but darker. The time changes back to 3/4.

The fourth variation is a lively allegro capriccioso. It consists of brisk descending chromatic sixteenth notes, with chords in the left hand, still resembling the harmonic changes in the theme.

The fifth variation marked piu lento, is unlike the entire song. It consists of huge, but slow, arpeggios followed by a variation of the theme. This variation produces a intense feeling of sorrow and loneliness.

The sixth variation marked allegro scherzando, is a technically difficult variation based on jumping chords passing from hand to hand. Still the chord progressions are the same as the theme.

The seventh variation is the same as the as the sixth, but more sustained, and instead of chords, arpegios, but still in the same fashion of passing from hand to hand.

The eighth variation is marked lento, and is another form of the theme melody played in chords.

The ninth variation is marked un poco andante, and is perhaps the most creative of the variations. It is similar to the eight, but more agitated, and doesn't have the same hypnotic flow.

The tenth variation starts the build up to the climax with an un poco allegro e alla burla tempo. It is a light scherzando section. 3/4 changes to 12/8.

The eleventh variation marked piu animato is a fast preparatory variation, still leading to the coda.

The twleve variation is marked meno allegro e masestoso, and is a huge grand variation of con tutta forza, with massive chords and repeats the melody heard in the third variation, only in a grand major voice. The key changes to g major, and the time from 12/8 to 6/8.

The thirteenth variation is marked allegro furioso is the final buildup to the huge climax. It consists of virtuosic argpegiated chords, and octaves flying all over the keyboard. The time and key revert to the original g minor, and 3/4.

The final variation, fourteen, is a huge prestissimo. The theme is pounded in fast octave chords, and climbs up the keyboard. Ends with a low e flat octave, marked lunga with a fermata, and lasts for almost 20 seconds.

The theme is finally closed, with a flashback of the first 8 measures, and closes with a g minor chord.