The most iconic "Late Folia" structure is a 16-bar sequence typically in d-minor: Often follows a
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?
Primarily a harmonic progression—a "ground bass" or repeating chord sequence—rather than a single fixed melody. Follia
Originated as a Portuguese folk dance/tune in the late 15th century, described as a "noisy dance" performed by peasants.
An improvisation on a 500 year old chord progression. La Folia! The most iconic "Late Folia" structure is a
Early Folia (faster, 15th-16th century) and Late Folia (slower, 17th-18th century, popular in the Baroque era). Musical Characteristics
Translates to "madness," "folly," or "empty-headedness" in Italian/Spanish, referring to the frenzied, fast-paced nature of its original dance. Originated as a Portuguese folk dance/tune in the
Antonio Vivaldi, Marin Marais, Jean-Baptiste Lully, and Alessandro Scarlatti all wrote famous variations. Enduring Legacy