What does the term 'theme and variations' refer to in music?

The term 'theme and variations' in music refers to a compositional technique where a melody is introduced as a theme and then altered in successive iterations. This involves transforming the original melody through changes in harmony, rhythm, dynamics, texture, or instrumentations. Each variation retains the core elements of the theme but presents it in a new light, allowing for creativity and expression while maintaining a recognizable connection to the original tune. This method enables composers to explore different musical ideas while demonstrating their inventiveness and the versatility of the theme itself.

In contrast, the other choices address different aspects of musical structure or form but do not accurately describe the process of theme and variations. Repeated musical sections, distinct musical forms, or traditional folk songs serve different purposes in the music landscape and do not encapsulate the concept of taking a single melody and crafting varied interpretations from it.