Analytical Study of Józef Kromolicki’s Thema und Variationen op. 34

Abstract

Józef Kromolicki is not a widely known composer. His œuvre comprises choral and organ works. One important composition is the cycle Thema und Variationen, Op. 34, which consists of the following movements: Kanzone (theme) Perpetuum mobile (Var. I), Zwiegesang (Var. II), Brausend (Var. III), Aeolscharfe (Var. IV) and Chromatische Quadrupelfuge (Var. V). The analytical study deals with the elements of the musical work: melody, rhythm, harmony, agogics and formal design. The most complicated element, albeit a schematic one (theme with Vars. I and II), is the harmony. A highly elaborate movement in terms of composition technique is the last, a quadruple fugue. The study concludes by indicating the most important means of variation technique employed by Kromolicki, including changes of mode, metre and agogics. The evolution of the rhythm is based on the gradual diminution of rhythmic values (this concerns the theme as well). An important factor in the shaping of the form is the use of polyphonic techniques (canon in Var. II, the closing fugue). In the last movement, the composer displays a mastery of counterpoint technique, wielding four themes at once.

It is a great pity that Kromolicki’s Thema und Variationen, Op. 34 is not familiar to a wider audience of organ music. It is an ambitious work of considerable value, in both compositional and performance terms.