passacaglia theme
Italian/Spanish work
Definition
The eight-note bass motto drawn from the opening of Schubert's Unfinished Symphony that underpins all 44 variations of Godowsky's Passacaglia. Recognising it in its many transformations is essential to following the work's architecture.
Interpretive Guidance
Memorise the eight-note theme as an independent bass voice before working through the variations — it must remain audible, however disguised, throughout. Plan the overall arc of the 44 variations in three large waves rather than 44 individual climaxes.