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Lesson 27: Renaissance Dance Suite Part 1 - Pavane and Galliard
  • Understand Renaissance dance forms and their characteristics
  • Master the stately pavane (slow, processional dance)
  • Play the lively galliard (quick, leaping dance)
  • Develop appropriate style and tempo for each dance

Introduction

During the Renaissance (1400-1600), instrumental dance music flourished! Courts across Europe enjoyed elaborate dance suites—collections of contrasting dances. Today we'll learn two foundational Renaissance dances: the pavane and galliard.

The Pavane

The pavane (pah-VAHN) is a slow, stately processional dance in duple meter (2/2 or 4/4). It was performed at court ceremonies and featured elaborate, gliding steps.

Characteristics:

  • Tempo: Slow, dignified (♩ = 60-70 BPM)
  • Meter: Usually 2/2 or 4/4
  • Character: Noble, processional, serious
  • Phrasing: Clear, balanced phrases
  • Articulation: Smooth, legato lines with some gentle tonguing

Play this with dignity and grace. Imagine nobles processing through a grand hall.

Style: Broad, sustained tones. Gentle dynamics (mp to mf). Smooth phrasing.

The Galliard

The galliard (GAL-yard) is a lively dance in triple meter (3/4 or 3/2), often paired with a pavane. It featured athletic leaps called "cinque pace" (five steps).

Characteristics:

  • Tempo: Lively, energetic (♩ = 120-150 BPM)
  • Meter: 3/4 or 3/2 (triple meter)
  • Character: Joyful, athletic, exuberant
  • Phrasing: Often same melody as pavane, but in triple time
  • Articulation: Crisp tonguing, distinct notes

Play with energy and lightness! Imagine dancers leaping joyfully.

Style: Light, bouncing articulation. Emphasis on beat 1. Bright tone.

The Pavane-Galliard Pair

Renaissance composers often paired these dances:

  • Same thematic material (melody, harmony)
  • Contrasting meter (duple vs. triple)
  • Contrasting tempo (slow vs. fast)
  • Contrasting character (stately vs. lively)

This creates musical variety while maintaining unity!

Performance Practice

For Pavane:

  • Use smooth, connected phrasing (legato)
  • Moderate dynamics (don't overpower)
  • Gentle emphasis on strong beats
  • Think: procession, ceremony, elegance

For Galliard:

  • Use crisp, articulated notes (gentle staccato or detached)
  • Clear emphasis on beat 1 of each measure
  • Light, buoyant character
  • Think: celebration, joy, dancing

Pavane (play slowly, with dignity):

Galliard (same melody, triple meter, fast):

Notice how the same melodic material takes on different character based on meter and tempo!

Historical Context

Renaissance dance music was performed by:

  • Consorts: Groups of recorders (or other instruments) of different sizes
  • Mixed ensembles: Recorders with viols, lutes, harpsichord
  • Composers: Tielman Susato, Pierre Attaingnant, John Dowland, Michael Praetorius

Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)

  1. Pavane melody (slow, dignified) - 7 minutes
  2. Galliard melody (fast, light) - 7 minutes
  3. Contrast pavane and galliard styles - 6 minutes
  4. Complete pavane-galliard pair - 5 minutes
Fun Fact: Queen Elizabeth I of England was known for her love of the galliard! Despite its athletic demands, she reportedly danced six or seven galliards every morning as exercise.
Mastery goal: Play pavanes with stately, noble character and smooth phrasing. Play galliards with light, bouncing energy and clear articulation. Understand the historical context and stylistic differences between these Renaissance dance forms. Apply appropriate tempo, dynamics, and articulation to each dance type.
Next: Lesson 28 - Renaissance Dance Suite Part 2