Branle de Bourgogne

Learn regional French dance style
Master modal Renaissance melody
Develop character of Burgundian dance

About This Piece

Period: French Renaissance

Region: Burgundy (Bourgogne)

Difficulty: Early Intermediate

Notes Used: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, D (high)

Time Signature: 4/4

Key: D Dorian mode

Fingering Review

Full Dance

A regional branle from Burgundy, one of France's culturally rich provinces. The modal melody gives it a distinctive medieval flavor.

Practice Tips

Dorian mode: Notice the modal (rather than major/minor) quality
Regional character: This reflects Burgundian folk traditions
Moderate tempo: Not too fast - dignified but dance-like
Medieval flavor: The mode gives an older, folk-like sound

Historical Context

The Duchy of Burgundy was one of the most powerful and culturally sophisticated regions of medieval and Renaissance Europe. The "Branle de Bourgogne" reflects the region's rich musical traditions, blending courtly refinement with folk elements. The use of Dorian mode (rather than modern major/minor) gives this branle an archaic quality, connecting it to older medieval musical traditions.

Performance Goal: Play with a sense of regional character and modal flavor. The Dorian mode creates a distinctive sound - not quite major, not quite minor. Let this unique quality shine through in your performance!