Baroque Era Dance and Spanish Musical Legacy

The Dance in the Baroque Era

The Development of Baroque Ballet

Ballet, evolving within the French court, began its golden era with the creation of the ballet de cour. This form was a result of the collaboration of great artists, often under the patronage of the king's dance company. Many composers of instrumental music also created pieces intended for dance.

Key Baroque Dance Forms

• Allemanda: Of German origin, a quiet dance in binary rhythm with a short initial upbeat.
• Courante: A fast dance in ternary rhythm.
• Bourrée: A French round dance, fast-paced and in binary rhythm.
• Chaconne: A dance of Spanish origin, often sung, quiet, and in ternary rhythm.
• Zarabanda (Sarabande): A solemn dance of Spanish origin, in slow ternary rhythm.
• Giga (Jig): A fast dance of English origin, typically in 6/8 rhythm.

The Baroque Era in Spain

While much of Europe experienced musical splendor during the Baroque era, Spain faced a prolonged period of musical decadence. This decline reflected its political and economic crisis and international isolation.

After the death of Philip II, Spain entered a long recession that continued throughout the 17th century under the reigns of the last three Habsburg monarchs: Philip III, Philip IV, and Charles II, whose death triggered the War of Spanish Succession. Despite this, the fine arts and literature maintained their splendor with personalities such as Velázquez, Quevedo, Lope de Vega, and Calderón.

Religious Vocal Music

This remained the most important musical repertoire. Traditional forms of polyphonic motets and masses with Latin texts continued to be cultivated for solemn celebrations. In more popular religious festivals, the villancico (carol) with Castilian text, accompanied by an instrumental ensemble, became prominent.

Secular Vocal Music

A new compositional style emerged: the solo. This secular song, often with sentimental themes, introduced monody – a solo voice accompanied by a three-beat rhythm and simple melodies.

Instrumental Music

Instrumental music continued to focus on solo instruments like the organ, which maintained the brilliance of the previous period. There was also significant production for the guitar. Chamber music appeared, linked to the musical chapels of the courts, but often showed clear foreign influence, such as that brought by Italian musicians under the Bourbons.