Analyzing thematic material in Corigliano’s The Red Violin Chaconne

The Red Violin Chaconne, composed in 1998 by John Corigliano, has become an iconic example of 20th century solo violin literature, performed and recorded by violinists around the world. Created in tandem with a film score for the movie The Red Violin and a set of caprices by the same name, the chaconne retains elements of the film score even as an abstract piece. This study will analyze the building blocks that were derived from the film score to create the chaconne as a stand-alone work, as well as the manipulation and development of thematic material within the chaconne structure. It will also discuss the elements of composition which give this work its compelling tempestuousness and exhilarating appeal, such as Corigliano’s use of orchestration, utilization of effects (pizzicato, col legno, con sordino), dynamic contrast, and harmonic variance, just to name a few.