almand

Purcell's spelling of the allemande, a moderate-tempo Baroque dance of German origin in common time. In Purcell's suites the almand is typically the longest and most elaborate movement, often featuring running passages and rich inner voices.

Maintain a flowing, singing quality in the long melodic lines. Ornaments (shakes, backfalls) should be integral to the melodic shape, not decorative interruptions. Purcell's almands repay a slightly broader tempo than the stately French model.