The spelling of the word "Bergomask" can be a bit tricky to navigate. It is pronounced /bərˈɡɒməsk/ and is a type of Italian folk dance. The first part of the word, "Bergo," refers to the city of Bergamo in northern Italy, while the second part, "mask," refers to the masked nature of the dance. The spelling of "Bergomask" reflects the word's Italian origins, with its use of the letter "g" instead of the typical "j" sound in English.
Bergomask refers to a lively and sprightly dance form originating from the French and Italian Renaissance periods. It is commonly associated with the music composed by English composer Edward Johnson for Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" and later adapted by French composer Jean-Baptiste Lully for the ballet, "Le Bourgeois gentilhomme." The term "bergomask" is derived from the word "bergamesca," an Italian dance that was fashionable during the 16th century.
The bergomask is typically characterized by its lively tempo and spirited movements. It is performed in 4/4 time signature, with an energetic and often syncopated rhythm. The dance includes various jumps, hops, and turns, enhanced by the use of castanets, tambourines, and other percussive instruments. The dancers often wear colorful costumes, adorned with ribbons, bells, and feathers, adding to the festive atmosphere of the dance.
In addition to its association with theatrical performances, the bergomask also became popular as a standalone dance during the Renaissance. It was prevalent in courtly settings and social gatherings, where it provided entertainment and merriment for participants and spectators alike.
The term "bergomask" is sometimes used interchangeably with "bergesa," another Renaissance dance style with Spanish origins. While both dances share similar characteristics, the bergomask is known for its faster tempo and livelier movements.
Overall, bergomask showcases the joyful and vibrant spirit of Renaissance dance, providing a glimpse into the cultural and social entertainment of that era.
The word Bergomask is derived from the Italian term Bergamasca, which refers to the city of Bergamo in northern Italy. Bergamasca is a combination of Bergamo and -asca, a suffix that denotes belonging or origin. The term was used to describe a lively dance or music style that originated in the Bergamo region during the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, it became anglicized as Bergomask and gained popularity as a specific type of dance mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare, particularly in the play A Midsummer Night's Dream.