Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stately court dance of the 17th and 18th centuries: A formal, slow, and dignified dance that originated in Spain and became popular in European courts.
   • Music composed for dancing the saraband: The musical piece, typically in triple meter with a slow tempo and a characteristic rhythmic pattern, that accompanies this dance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Dance):

  • The nobility performed a graceful saraband at the ball.
  • The saraband was known for its solemn and measured steps.

• Noun (Music):

  • The suite by Handel includes a beautiful saraband.
  • She practiced the saraband on the harpsichord for her recital.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Cultural Context: The term is used to discuss Baroque music and dance forms, often as a movement within a larger instrumental suite (e.g., a Baroque dance suite).
  • The composer structured the partita with the standard sequence of allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue.

Variants and Related Words

• Sarabande: An alternative spelling, more commonly used in French and German musical contexts.
  • Bach's Cello Suite No. 5 features a famous sarabande.

Synonyms

• Court dance: A formal dance performed in royal or noble settings.
• Baroque dance: A dance form from the Baroque period (c. 1600-1750).

Noun

1. a stately court dance of the 17th and 18th centuries; in slow time
2. music composed for dancing the saraband