Baroque Noon: Disarming Dances

Show & Culture

The combination of a lively small flute with diverse origins and influences alongside a harpsichord evokes the splendors of court symphonies and antimasques, as well as the disarming frankness of distant English countryside airs and melodies. Masques were associated with the sumptuous dances of disguised noble patrons who created allegorical performances and dances in the presence of the royal family, whereas antimasques were burlesque and satirical.