It was sprightly. It was French. And it dominated social scenes from the 17th through the 18th centuries. We are talking about the rigaudon, a folk dance for couples that started on the streets and ended up on the biggest stages.
Conjecture suggests its origins lie with Provençal sailors. Others pin the name to a Marseille dance master named Rigaud. He reportedly introduced it to Parisian society around 1630. The move caught on fast. Skillful dancers at the French and English courts adopted its hopping steps. It stayed fashionable for over a hundred years.
How the Rigaudon Was Performed
As a court dance, the rigaudon required specific physical flair. Dancers ran and turned. They repeated a series of jumping steps right in place. It was energetic. It was precise. It was the height of trendiness for European elite.
“Its music, ‘rustic’ in character, is written in 2/2 or 4/4 time.”
The Musical Structure of a Rigaudon
You can find this rigaudon music in historical suites. It carries a rustic character. The time signature is usually 2/2 or 4/4.
It occasionally appears as a standalone musical form within a suite. A prime example is found in Rameau’s Suite in E Minor for harpsichord. That piece showcases the dance’s rhythmic drive. The structure supports the hopping steps. The music dictates the movement.
Where did it go after the courts? The dance faded as tastes changed. But the music remains in the archives.
