The musical form of the chaconne is a continuous variation, usually in triple metre and a major key; it is generally characterized by a short, repeating bass line or harmonic progression. The chaconne form, which is similar to that of the passacaglia, was used by composers in the Baroque period and later. In the 17th century, French composers often designated as chaconne pieces in rondeau form—i.e., with refrain (R) recurring before, after, and between contrasting passages or couplets (R A R B R C R, etc.). Johann Sebastian Bach's “Chaconne” from the Partita in D Minor for unaccompanied violin is an example of masterly use of the chaconne as a variation form. François Couperin's harpsichord music includes many chaconnes en rondeau, such as “La Favorite.” Later composers revived the form, including Johannes Brahms in the last movement of his Symphony No. 4 (1885) and Benjamin Britten in his String Quartet No. 2 (1945).