The Influence of Baroque Dance Rhythms in Ewazen\u27s Cumberland Suite

Allemande, Courante, Sarabande and Gigue. How do these Baroque court dances influence the rhythmic elements of Eric Ewazen\u27s Cumberland Suite? “The element of motion runs as a rhythmical undercurrent through all the Arts from architecture to music,” (Fleming). Following the Renaissance period, the Baroque period could be thought of as a continuation of Renaissance ideals and the broadening of musical thoughts and horizons. This included the development of traditional dance styles accompanied by a variety of musical colors. One of the musical thoughts developed from the Baroque period is the Suite. “Based on the traditional pairing of dances…the suite was the first multi-movement work for instruments,” (Music of the Baroque). Composers throughout time have use contrasting motions, instruments, and forms (such as different dance styles) to convey emotion, mood, and tone. Additionally, “to many baroque composers, the different dances embodied specific characters,” (Music of the Baroque). These Baroque origins give strong impressions of motion and dance playing a vital role in Ewazen’s Cumberland Suite. In this musical performance we will discuss the traditional rhythms and tempi associated with each movement and perform selections. Fleming, William. The Element of Motion in Baroque Art and Music. The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism 5, no. 2 (1946): 121-28. doi:10.2307/425800. What is Baroque Music? What is Baroque Music? - Music of the Baroque. https://www.baroque.org/baroque/whatis