Bergerette
A sixteenth-century dance and song form related to the basse danse, usually in 6/8 time.
What it means
The bergerette is a sixteenth-century dance and song form closely related to the older basse danse. It is usually set in a flowing 6/8 meter and has a light, pastoral character, as its name suggests, derived from the French word for a shepherdess.
Like other courtly dance forms of the period, the bergerette was used both as a purely instrumental dance and with an accompanying song text.
Musical use
Bergerette settings appear in Renaissance dance and song collections, often alongside related forms such as the basse danse itself or other courtly dances of the period. Later, in the eighteenth century, the title was also used for sentimental, pastoral songs outside the actual dance form.
It should be distinguished from the basse danse, whose measured, stately walking character differs from the lighter, more dance-like gesture of the bergerette.
Performance practice
When playing a bergerette, emphasize the flowing, gently swaying character of the 6/8 meter and avoid too heavy, measured a step, which better suits the basse danse. A transparent, dance-like sound supports its pastoral, cheerful mood.