Primarily a harmonic progression—a "ground bass" or repeating chord sequence—rather than a single fixed melody.
An improvisation on a 500 year old chord progression. La Folia!
Originated as a Portuguese folk dance/tune in the late 15th century, described as a "noisy dance" performed by peasants. Follia
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 Originated as a Portuguese folk dance/tune in the
Translates to "madness," "folly," or "empty-headedness" in Italian/Spanish, referring to the frenzied, fast-paced nature of its original dance.
Antonio Vivaldi, Marin Marais, Jean-Baptiste Lully, and Alessandro Scarlatti all wrote famous variations. Enduring Legacy setting the standard for the form.
Arcangelo Corelli’s Violin Sonata Op. 5, No. 12 (1700) is the most famous Baroque example, setting the standard for the form.