Sarabande

Definition

The sarabande is a slow, stately dance that originated in the Spanish colonies and became popular in European court music during the Baroque period. Characterized by its triple meter and emphasis on the second beat, it typically conveys a sense of grace and elegance, making it a prominent movement in suites and other instrumental works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sarabande is typically written in a 3/4 time signature, but it emphasizes the second beat, creating a unique rhythmic feel that distinguishes it from other dances.
2. In addition to its role in keyboard suites, the sarabande was often included as a movement in orchestral suites and chamber music during the Baroque era.
3. Many composers, including Bach and Handel, incorporated the sarabande into their works, showcasing its elegance and emotional depth.
4. The sarabande often features ornamentation and expressive melodic lines, allowing performers to showcase their interpretative skills.
5. While originally a lively dance, the sarabande evolved into a more reflective and solemn form in its later adaptations within classical music.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the role of the sarabande in suites versus its use in orchestral settings during the Baroque period.
  • The sarabande serves as a key component in both suites and orchestral settings during the Baroque period. In suites, it typically follows lighter dances like the allemande and courante, adding a contrast of tempo and mood with its slower pace. In orchestral settings, composers often used the sarabande to provide a moment of lyrical introspection or emotional depth within larger works, showcasing its versatility beyond just dance music.
• Evaluate how the rhythmic characteristics of the sarabande contribute to its emotional expression in Baroque music.
  • The distinctive rhythmic structure of the sarabande, with its emphasis on the second beat in a 3/4 time signature, creates a unique feeling that enhances emotional expression. This rhythmic pattern contributes to a sense of flow and grace while allowing for expressive phrasing. The slower tempo enables performers to explore nuances in dynamics and articulation, making it a poignant movement within larger compositions.
• Analyze the evolution of the sarabande from its origins as a lively dance to its status as an important formal musical movement in Baroque music.
  • The evolution of the sarabande reflects significant changes in musical style and cultural context. Initially a lively Spanish dance, it underwent transformation in Europe where it became slower and more reflective. This shift allowed it to serve various functions within Baroque music, from contributing to the formal structure of suites to enhancing emotional depth in orchestral works. Composers adapted the sarabande's character, showcasing their creativity while preserving its graceful essence.

Related terms

Suite: A collection of short musical pieces that are often dance forms, typically consisting of several movements with contrasting tempos and styles.

Toccata: A virtuosic piece of music for keyboard instruments, characterized by fast-moving passages and elaborate finger work, often serving as an introduction to more structured forms.

French Overture: A musical form commonly used in the Baroque period, featuring a slow opening section followed by a faster, lively part, often used to introduce an opera or suite.