Follia -

Originated as a Portuguese folk dance/tune in the late 15th century, described as a "noisy dance" performed by peasants.

Early Folia (faster, 15th-16th century) and Late Folia (slower, 17th-18th century, popular in the Baroque era). Musical Characteristics

It is the ultimate "theme and variations" form; over 150 composers have written their own interpretations, using the strict chordal framework to showcase improvisational skill. Follia

La Follia (also spelled Folia, Folies d'Espagne, or La Folia) is one of the most enduring and recognizable musical themes in Western history, spanning over 500 years of development from a 15th-century dance to a popular theme for baroque variations. What is La Follia?

pattern, creating a feeling of constant movement between tonic (minor) and relative major. Originated as a Portuguese folk dance/tune in the

Antonio Vivaldi, Marin Marais, Jean-Baptiste Lully, and Alessandro Scarlatti all wrote famous variations. Enduring Legacy

The most iconic "Late Folia" structure is a 16-bar sequence typically in d-minor: Often follows a La Follia (also spelled Folia, Folies d'Espagne, or

An improvisation on a 500 year old chord progression. La Folia!