Rigaudon

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — The rigaudon is a French Baroque dance in duple meter. The music is similar to a bourrée, but the rigaudon is simpler, with regular phrases (eight-measure phrases are most common). Its origins are attributed to Provençal sailors, and it is named after a Marseille dance master Rigaud, who reputedly introduced the dance to Parisian society in 1630. Using the form and musical style of a classic Baroque dance, Carl Strommen has written a winning string orchestra piece for young people. In duple meter, Rigaudon has a regular pulse and regular phrase lengths, which will make it easy for young musicians to comprehend and fun for them to play.