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Dance in Classical Music Dance and classical music
have an interwoven history. Both
originated as rituals and rhythms, as part of war preparations, ceremonies, and fertility rites. Dances developed alongside new |
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types of music throughout all the major periods of music
history. Early Music Period (400-1600) Some of the earliest
dances were processional Court dances, while couples dancing became more
common in the 12th century.
In the 15th century, one of the most popular dances was the
basse dance, a stately and measured dance
with low gliding steps. Couples from
the nobility would take part in these dances to display their breeding and
culture. When the basse dance went out of style it was
replaced with an adaptation called the pavane. This dance too was used at ceremonial balls
and as a display of elegant dress. Its
main type of movement consisted of forward and backward steps usually to 4/4
time. The pavane was usually followed up
with the galliard, a more vigorous
dance with showy high leaps and hopping steps. Aside from the dances of
the nobility, the first ballet also
was performed in 1489. A ballet is a story told through dance
and music together, using virtuoso techniques and precise movement. Ballets
often may use opera, costumes, scenery, and instrumental accompaniment. Baroque Period (1600-1750) (More information on dances to come shortly!
1/24/06) |
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All articles (c) 1999-2006 by LIFTOFF! |