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Bourrée
  • Learn lively Baroque dance style
  • Practice crisp, energetic articulation
  • Master 2/2 (cut time) meter

About This Song

Origin: Traditional Baroque dance form (French)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Notes Used: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C (high)

Time Signature: 2/2 (Cut Time)

Key: C Major

Fingering Review

Full Song

A lively Baroque dance with a characteristic quarter-note upbeat. Play with energy and crisp articulation!

Practice Tips

  • Bourrée style: Lively and energetic - faster than a gavotte
  • Single upbeat: Bourrées begin with a single quarter-note pickup
  • Crisp articulation: Use clear, detached tonguing for authentic style
  • 2/2 time: Feel two beats per measure, with quarter notes as the subdivision

Practice Exercises

Practice the characteristic single-note upbeat.

Master the smooth descending phrase.

Practice reaching to high C and descending.

Practice the closing descending scale.

Play the full bourrée with lively energy.

Historical Context

The bourrée is a lively Baroque dance that originated in the Auvergne region of France. It became popular in Baroque instrumental suites, particularly in the works of J.S. Bach. The bourrée is characterized by its single quarter-note upbeat and energetic character, typically faster than a gavotte. In 2/2 time, it has a brisk, forward-moving quality. The dance was originally a peasant dance before being adopted by the French court and subsequently by composers throughout Europe. Bach's bourrées, particularly those from his Cello Suites and Lute Suites, are among the most famous examples of the form.

Performance Goal: Play with lively, energetic character. Keep the articulation crisp and the tempo brisk. The dance should feel light and bouncy with clear phrasing.

Next Steps

Once you can play this confidently, try:

  • Increasing the tempo for a more authentic brisk character
  • Adding light staccato for extra bounce
  • Learning "Branle" for a Renaissance dance contrast