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Classical Music/Baroque

Expert: David Froom - 4/5/2005

Question
How is Baroque dance related to Baroque music, and what are some examples of Baroque dance music?

Answer
I'm not sure about the question.

One finds example of dance music in Baroque Opera, particularly French opera, which always contained a ballet.

There are also movements in instrumental suites by composers like Bach that have movement names that are dance names: Gavotte, Sarabande, Gigue, Polonaise, Allemande. It isn't likely that these pieces were intended to be danced. They were intended to be listened to without dancing, but to sound like and refer to these dances (in the rhythm, meter, tempo, and general style).

Hope I've helped.

David Froom

Questioner's Rating

Rating(1-10)	Knowledgeability = 10	Clarity of Response = 10	Politeness = 10
Comment	Thank you SO much! You can't know how helpful you were. I had asked music professors who were far less helpful, so I really can't thank you enough. I wasn't so sure at first, but you really are an expert!