PASSEPIED Meaning and
Definition
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A "passepied" is a traditional French court dance that originated in the 17th century. It is typically written in a fast triple meter, with a strong emphasis on the first beat of each bar. This lively dance is often associated with elegance, grace, and sophistication.
The term "passepied" literally translates to "footstep" in English, which is a fitting description as the dance involves quick and precise footwork. It is characterized by a series of intricate steps, jumps, and hops, performed with lightness and agility. The choreography of a passepied usually includes intricate patterns and formations, making it visually captivating.
Musically, a passepied is recognized by its distinct structure and melodic characteristics. It typically consists of two or four sections, each repeated, and frequently features a contrasting middle section. The melodies often employ simple, catchy motifs, repeated patterns, and frequent ornamentations. Passepieds are commonly included in Baroque suites, where they are usually performed after a serious and slower movement, providing a lively and refreshing contrast.
Over time, the passepied has evolved from being a courtly dance to become a popular instrumental form in classical music compositions. While its popularity waned during the 18th and 19th centuries, it continues to hold artistic value as part of the historical dance repertoire and has influenced subsequent musical styles.
Common Misspellings for PASSEPIED
- oassepied
- lassepied
- 0assepied
- pzssepied
- psssepied
- pwssepied
- pqssepied
- paasepied
- pazsepied
- paxsepied
- padsepied
- paesepied
- pawsepied
- pasaepied
- paszepied
- pasxepied
- pasdepied
- paseepied
- paswepied
- passwpied
Etymology of PASSEPIED
The word "passepied" has its origins in French. It comes from the combination of two words: "pas" meaning "step" and "pied" meaning "foot" in French.
Originally, a "passepied" referred to a traditional dance in Brittany, a region in Northwestern France. This lively and energetic dance was popular during the 16th and 17th centuries. The term "passepied" was then borrowed into the realm of music during the Baroque period to denote a specific dance movement within a suite or a larger musical composition.
Due to its fast tempo and characteristic rhythm, which is often in 3/8 or 3/4 time, the term "passepied" became associated with a specific style of dance music.
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