Variations, Interlude and Finale on a Theme by Rameau is one of Dukas's important piano works, alongside his Sonata (1899-1900). Composed in 1903, it was premiered in March of the same year by Édouard Risler. The piece can be broadly divided into three groups: the first, Variations 1-6; the second, Variations 7-10 and the Interlude; and the third, the Finale. A characteristic feature is the development of different thematic elements in each variation. Within each variation, various elements of the theme are expanded, and in the Finale, the deified theme is re-presented in its complete form.

Theme

The theme is the Minuet from the Fourth Suite of Rameau's Pièces de Clavecin. The piece itself is not particularly striking.

• Variation 1: D major, 3/4 time. The melody of the theme is played more gently and melodically.
• Variation 2: B minor, 2/4 time. In contrast to the overall piece, its strong rhythmic sway in 2/4 time leaves a lasting impression.
• Variation 3: D major, 6/16 time (without haste). Returns to D major. Composed of four voices, the sound texture is delicately woven. The main melody in the bass emerges as if floating.
• Variation 4: D major, 4/4 time. A sense of confusion is conveyed by the syncopated rhythm. The theme appears over a triplet accompaniment, showing dizzying harmonic changes.
• Variation 5: D major, 3/4 time (slowly). A contrapuntal musical idea played with a deep timbre. It is heavy and strange, yet possesses a mysterious beauty.
• Variation 6: D major, 3/4 time. Played like a waltz. In this variation, the original theme exists only as fragments.
• Variation 7: D major, 5/4 time (quite lively). The original theme cannot be found in its original form. A rapid, capricious piece with strong virtuosic elements.
• Variation 8: D major, 4/4 time. The rhythmic and melodic structures of the theme are presented in fragmented, expanded, and contracted forms. A variation with the intensity of a gushing spring.
• Variation 9: D major, 9/8 time. The theme is clearly played by the left hand over a simple but lively rhythm.
• Variation 10: D major, 3/4 time. Although the connection to the theme is not clearly discernible, the harmonic connection is maintained. An elegant, dance-like variation.
• Variation 11: D minor, 3/4 time (dark and quite slow). The first theme, heavy and seemingly sinking into depth, and the second theme are beautifully presented through a progression of perfect chords.

Interlude

A variation with strong improvisational elements. The dark, heavy mood gradually lightens, beginning to shine towards the Finale.

Finale

Filled with vitality and brilliance, as if shaking off the previous heaviness and darkness. The original theme is recapitulated in its complete form. It shows an appropriate exaltation for a finale, then a calming, and finally closes the piece cleanly.