What is a dance suite?

A dance suite is a series of contrasting Baroque-era instrumental pieces, typically consisting of stylized dances arranged for use as background music for dancing, theatrical plays, and other formal gatherings. The term is derived from the French word suite, meaning "sequence" or "series". Dances suites gained popularity in the 17th century, particularly in the royal courts of Europe, where they were often performed as part of elaborate social events and festivities.

Typically, a dance suite would include several dances, each with a distinct tempo, rhythm, and style. Some of the common dances included in suites are:

1. Allemande: A slow and stately dance often used as the introductory movement.

2. Courante: A moderately paced and graceful dance.

3. Sarabande: A slow, solemn dance with a strong rhythmic emphasis.

4. Gigue: A lively and fast-paced dance often serving as the concluding movement.

5. Gavotte: A graceful and lively dance with two repeated sections.

6. Minuet: A moderate and elegant dance in triple meter.

7. Bourrée: A sprightly and lively dance with a skip-like rhythm.

8. Passepied: A cheerful and fast-paced dance with a syncopated rhythm.

Dance suites allowed for a wide range of musical expression, from simple melodies and rustic rhythms to complex counterpoint and elaborate ornamentation. Composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Georg Philipp Telemann are known for their celebrated dance suites, which showcased their compositional skill and mastery of the Baroque idiom.

While the primary function of dance suites was to serve as background music for dancing, they also gained appreciation as standalone musical works. Their sophisticated musical structure and variety of styles continue to captivate audiences today, making them an essential part of the Baroque music repertoire.