Tarantella
tagStarted 1600Peak 1820–1910Last big hit 1915
Located in 1 route
Tarantella is a rapid southern Italian dance usually cast in quick compound meter, with restless repetition, spinning figures, and a brilliant, almost feverish momentum. In classical stylization it became a favorite finale type, prized for virtuosity, Mediterranean color, and the impression of unstoppable motion.
History
Although rooted in folk tradition and the tarantism legend, the tarantella entered art music through piano showpieces, vocal miniatures, ballet episodes, and orchestral finales in the 19th century; composers and performers loved it because it could function as folklore, virtuoso display, or theatrical frenzy all at once.
Defining artists
Essential listening
- Tarantella from Venezia e Napoli — Martha ArgerichSpotifyYouTube
- La danza — Cecilia BartoliSpotifyYouTube
- Scherzo-Tarantelle, Op. 16 — Itzhak PerlmanSpotifyYouTube
- Tarantella in A-flat major, Op. 43 — Evgeny KissinSpotifyYouTube
- The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Pletnev): III. Tarantella — Mikhail PletnevSpotifyYouTube
- Grande Tarantelle, Op. 67 — New York City Ballet OrchestraSpotifyYouTube
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Oxford Music Online
- Grove Music Online
- dance and virtuoso-piano notes from DG, EMI, and Naxos