Follia

Arcangelo Corelli’s Violin Sonata Op. 5, No. 12 (1700) is the most famous Baroque example, setting the standard for the form.

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

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

Primarily a harmonic progression—a "ground bass" or repeating chord sequence—rather than a single fixed melody.

Originated as a Portuguese folk dance/tune in the late 15th century, described as a "noisy dance" performed by peasants. Arcangelo Corelli’s Violin Sonata Op

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

The most iconic "Late Folia" structure is a 16-bar sequence typically in d-minor: Often follows a An improvisation on a 500 year old chord progression

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.