Embodying the Rigaudon

(V2eT1)

 

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Ex. 1 The energy flow of the Rigaudon phrase alternates the vertical accents (b. 1) and horizontal flow (bb. 3-4).

At the dance workshop I observed the energetic jumps (pas de sissonne) which could be translated into a bow action with heavier and more vigorous bouncing than that of the Bourrée. The three jumps in the first and second bars are followed by a loaded stillness in bar three, which corresponds to the musical structure of a long 'dive' of quarter-notes moving down in a 'free fall' through bar 3 and finally crashing into bar 4.

To enhance the energetic accents, a Soundist will employ three consecutive downbows. The direction towards the second bar is achieved through dynamics, with each downbow increasing in volume.

 

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Ex. 2 & Aud. 1: The Rigaudon performed as a Soundist with enhanced sound producing movements.

 

A Gesturist translates three energetic jumps into body movement. The third bar does not repeat the same gesture, but rather, the body engages in a steady forward movement, as if pushing against a wall, finally rocketing into the downbeat of bar four.

 

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Ex. 3 & Aud. 2: The energetic body movements in the Rigaudon triggered by the beat-box pattern.

 

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Vid. 1 The video example demonstrates a Gesturist’s embodied action in the Rigaudon.