siciliana in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

Meaning of Siciliana in Music

In music, **Siciliana** refers to a specific type of musical composition or dance that originated in Sicily, Italy. It is characterized by a lyrical melody with a dotted rhythm and is often written in a compound meter, such as 6/8 or 12/8. The term "Siciliana" can also refer to the music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance .

The Siciliana dance is a graceful rustic dance in which the partners are joined with handkerchiefs. It is believed to have originated from the traditional folk dances of Sicily and has been incorporated into various classical music compositions over the years.

The Siciliana style of music is often associated with pastoral themes and evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. It is characterized by its flowing and melodic nature, with an emphasis on expressive phrasing and ornamentation. The dotted rhythm, where the notes are played with a longer duration followed by a shorter one, gives the music a distinctive rhythmic pattern.

The Siciliana style has been used by many composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, in his compositions. For example, Bach's Sonata No. 1 in G minor for solo violin features a Siciliana movement.

Overall, Siciliana in music refers to a specific musical style and dance that originated in Sicily, characterized by a lyrical melody, dotted rhythm, and pastoral themes

1. A type of aria or instrumental movement in the late 17th and 18th centuries. The siciliana (also siciliano) was normally written as a dance in a slow 6/8 or 12/8 time with short phrases. Use of the siciliana after the 18th century was commonly linked to peasant dances of Sicily in pastoral scenes with melancholy emotions often in a minor key. This is often seen as alla siciliano or in the style of a siciliana.

2. A style of accompanied recitation of poetry or singing of poetry (strambotto siciliano) that was employed in the 14th century through the early 17th century.

3. A dance, similar to a slow gigue, that was popular from the late 16th to the 18th century. Although included in dance suites, little is known of the siciliana as a real dance.