Gavotte
Baroque works
Definition
A moderately fast Baroque dance in duple meter, beginning on the third beat of the bar (half-bar upbeat). Often paired with a second gavotte en rondeau.
Historical Context
The gavotte was a popular optional dance in Baroque suites appearing after the sarabande. Bach's gavottes are notable for their clarity and rhythmic lift. The form was revived nostalgically by Prokofiev and other 20th-century composers.
Works (12)
- English Suite No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808: Gavotte I — Gavotte II Key G minor
- English Suite No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811: Gavotte I — Gavotte II Key D minor
- French Suite No. 4 in E♭ major, BWV 815: Gavotte Key E♭ major
- French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816: Gavotte Key G major
- French Suite No. 6 in E major, BWV 817: Gavotte Key E major
- Partita No. 6 in E minor, BWV 830: Tempo di Gavotta Key E minor
- French Overture in B minor, BWV 831: Gavotte I — Gavotte II Key B minor
- Gavotte in A major, WoO 3 Key A major
- Gavotte in A minor, WoO 3 Key A minor
- 10 Pieces, Op. 12 No. 2: Gavotte Key G minor
- Gavotte (Suite, Op. 25)
- Musette (Suite, Op. 25)