16th Century Dance Terms

Basse danse- also known as the low dance. People used dancing as a way to meet their mate in the 15th and 16th centuries. This particular dance was one of their favorites.
Canzona, canzon- type of music written in the 16th century for instrumentalists
Clavecin- harpsichord who’s name originated in France
Clavichord- smaller version of a stringed keyboard that would be used as a solo instrument.
Consort- an English instrumental ensemble containing four to seven instruments
Crumhorn- similar to bagpipe, a wind instrument containing a double reed encased in a cap
Fantasia- form of music that was mainly improvised for several different occasions
Harpsichord- a stringed keyboard instrument where the strings where actually plucked rather than the
Organ mass- all the music that the organ will play during mass
Ostinatos- sections of music that are repeated several times throughout the song.
Pavane and galliard- a set of dances, the 1st is a slow dance, the 2nd is a variation of the first dance. A favorite in several countries in the 16th century.
Polychoral motets- pieces of music set for 2 or more choirs
Prelude- used to introduce a piece of music, often improvised
Ricercare, ricercar- a type of prelude, originally short and improvised
Sackbut- the Renaissance instrument that evolved into what we now call a trombone
Sonata (16th century)-has only lately been rediscovered in the last 150 years.
Theme- each section contains a theme. It is the main melody line as well as the music behind it. In a theme and variation form, the melody or bass line may only change slightly making the music sound slightly different.
Toccata- primary form of improvisatory music in the late 16th century
Variations, variation form- form used for instrumental music in the 16th century where the theme changed in each section.
Vihuela- Spanish version of the lute, except the vihuela has a flat back and guitar shaped