History and Performance of the Siciliana Dance Style for the Bassoon

Abstract

The siciliana is a dance style that has been used in a wide variety of musical contexts, from simple woodwind duets to classical symphonies. Its origins and history are somewhat vague and complex, but can be traced through the works of composers from the 1600s to modern times. Considering the history of these works provides valuable insight for the performer and musical scholar, giving context to the pieces being prepared and aiding in accurate representation of the composers’ true intentions. The ancient ancestors of the siciliana, folk music of southern Italy, gave rise to a style used to evoke images of the simple pastoral throughout the baroque, classical, romantic, and modern eras. Though it had humble origins, the siciliana rose to great significance and popularity during the baroque era. Classical composers took this tradition and modified it for their own purposes, straying slightly from the baroque traditions of sound, instrumentation, and use. The romantic era produced siciliana that were even further from their roots, adding new harmonies and significance in new types of works.