Michael Praetorious: Dances from Terpsichore

Terpsichore is the name of the Greek Muse of Dancing and Praetorius used this name as the title of his French Dances commissioned by the Duke of Brunswick and Lueneburg. Pretorious was a prolific composer and was much in demand by the nobility of the period to compose for dancing at the courts of Dukes. Some of the tunes he used were obtained from the French Dance Masters and musicians who were in service at the courts, they worked there to instruct students in the art of dancing. Other tunes he composed himself. The melodic excitement, verve and stimulating rhythms in Praetorius's music inspired rejoicing, jollity, and energy as the Ballet, Bourree, Courante and Gavotte were performed.

Grade: 5