Primarily a harmonic progression—a "ground bass" or repeating chord sequence—rather than a single fixed melody.
The most iconic "Late Folia" structure is a 16-bar sequence typically in d-minor: Often follows a Follia
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
pattern, creating a feeling of constant movement between tonic (minor) and relative major. La Follia (also spelled Folia, Folies d'Espagne, or
Arcangelo Corelli’s Violin Sonata Op. 5, No. 12 (1700) is the most famous Baroque example, setting the standard for the form.
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?