Mattheson on the allemande

An allemande is a stately processional couple dance. The dances formed lines of couples, extended their hands, and moved forward and backward throughout the ballroom. It was a common stylised dance in baroque music. Johann Mattheson described it in 1739:

Now the allemande is a broken, serious, and well constructed harmony, which is the image of a content or satisfied spirit, which enjoys good order and calm.

Siblin, Eric (2009) The Cello Suites.  Crows Nest: Allen and Unwin, p. 59.

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