Sunday Music II: La Folia
Geminiani’s Concerto Grosso No. 12 in D Minor is a variation on Corelli Op. 5, No. 12, which is in turn a variation on La Folia.
What is La Folia? It’s a five-hundred year-old melody, later versions mostly in D Minor, based around the following chord progression:
/DM___ /A7___ /DM___ /C___ /F___ /C___ /DM___ /A7___ /
/DM___ /A7___ /DM___ /C___ /F___ /C___ /DM A7__/DM___ /
Here it is on classical guitar (link via Folias.nl)
This Levi’s ad excerpts Handel’s version, a Sarabande in D Minor:
Handel’s chord progression:
/DM___ /A7___ /F___ /C___ /GM___ /DM___ /GM___ /A7___ /
/DM___ /A7___ /F___ /C___ /GM___ /F___ /GM A7__/DM___ /
Folias.nl (Dutch site, English text) catalogs the Folia’s history and variations:
La Folia (pronounce as ‘lah foh-LEE-ah’, literally meaning mad or empty-headed) is one of the most remarkable phenomena in the history of music. This simple, but intriguing tune was first published in 1672. Its roots go back to the 16th century. It would remain a major challenge for numerous composers up to the present day; ranging from a part of a famous Bach Cantate to a popular film tune in the hit charts by Vangelis. The flexibility of the theme to incorporate and adapt features of new musical styles is not only amazing but also essential for its survival.
Lots of audio samples, chord progressions and guitar tabs, too.
