Universal La Folia

La Folia is perhaps the oldest and one of the most fundamental music themes created in Europe. Even though a few countries of origin are possible, it is believed that it was created in Spain and was published for the first time in 1672. There are two folias out there – early and later – the former going back to the 16th century. It was the 15th century Iberian quick-paced dance upon which the early folia was based. It is thus much faster compared to the later folia. However, it is the later folia that lies in the basis of many compositions we know. This standard 16-bar chord progression, normally in D minor, can be found in music compositions by 150 famous composers, among which are Bach’s “12 Variations über die Folie d'Espagne”, Liszt’s “Rhapsodie espagnole”, Scarlatti’s “29 Partite sopra l’aria della Folia”, Vivaldi’s “Trio Sonata”, Salieri’s “26 Variations on La Folia di Spagna” and many others.

Some say that after Rachmaninoff’s revival of the theme in his “Variations on a theme by Corelli” as well as Ponce’s use of it in “Variations on "Spanish Folia"” and “Fugue for guitar” in the 1930’s, La Folia slowly left the stage. It’s not true! Many contemporary composers keep using it in their works, experimenting with this historic tune. There are even sites dedicated to La Folia, where old and modern versions are being gathered and analyzed.

La Folia’s interesting feature is that it can be played in most unusual music instruments but sound absolutely natural. Doesn’t matter, whether you play a mandolin, or carillon, or rebab, or ukulele and what not – La Folia can be a good start for your own unique improvisations.