How Do You Spell SARABANDE?

Pronunciation: [sˈaɹɐbˌand] (IPA)

Sarabande is a musical term that refers to a slow, stately dance in triple time. The spelling of this word follows the standard rules of English phonetics, as the "s" is pronounced as /s/, and the "a" is pronounced as /ə/. The "r" is pronounced as a soft /ɹ/ sound, and the stressed syllable "ban" is pronounced with a relatively long /æ/ sound followed by a short /n/ sound. Finally, the "d" at the end of the word is pronounced /d/. Overall, the spelling of "sarabande" reflects the traditional pronunciation of this musical term.

SARABANDE Meaning and Definition

1. The term "sarabande" refers to a specific type of Baroque dance form that emerged in the late 16th century. It is a slow and stately dance in triple meter, often characterized by a steady pulse and a dignified, formal style.

   In terms of musical structure, a sarabande typically consists of two main sections, each comprised of multiple phrases. The first section is commonly in binary form, with two contrasting sections, while the second section is often in ternary form, featuring a contrasting middle section that provides a sense of relief before returning to the initial material.

   Melodically, the sarabande tends to have a lyrical and expressive character, often emphasizing long, sustained notes and melodic ornamentations. Harmonically, it relies on simple chord progressions, with an emphasis on the tonic and dominant chords.

   Historically, the sarabande was initially a lively dance that originated in the Spanish colonies and was popularized throughout Europe. However, as it became integrated into Baroque suite forms, its tempo gradually slowed down, resulting in the dignified and solemn character it is known for today.

   The sarabande is most commonly seen as part of a larger suite, such as those composed by Johann Sebastian Bach or George Frideric Handel, often following the allemande and preceding the gigue. Its enduring popularity stems from its captivating beauty, melancholic nature, and its important role in the development of Western classical music.

Etymology of SARABANDE

The word "sarabande" has its origins in Spanish. It is derived from the Spanish zarabanda, which in turn is believed to have been influenced by the Arabic word zahr al-banda, meaning "castanets". The zarabanda was a lively Spanish dance with Moorish influences that was popular during the 16th and 17th centuries. This dance, with its rhythmic and syncopated character, eventually evolved into the sarabande as it spread to other European countries, particularly in France, where it became an important movement in the baroque dance suite. The term "sarabande" was adopted in French and then further assimilated into other languages, including English, to refer to this specific type of slow and stately dance.