A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Tourdion

by William Barclay Squire

TOURDION, or TORDION. 'A turning, or winding about; also, a tricke, or pranke; also, the daunce tearmed a Round.' (Cotgrave.) The early French dances were divided into two classes, 'Danses Basses' or 'Danses Nobles,' and 'Danses par haut.' The former of these included all regular dances, the latter were mere improvised romps or 'baladinages.' The regular Basse Dance consisted of two parts, the first was twice repeated, and the last, or 'Tourdion,' was probably something like our modern round dances. The Tourdion was therefore the French equivalent for the German Nachtanz, Proportio, or Hoppeltanz, and the Italian Saltarello. [See vol. iii. p. 221b.] Tabourot says that the Tourdion was nearly the same as the Galliard, but the former was more rapid and smooth than the latter. [See vol. i. p. 578a.] Hence he defines it as a 'Gaillarde par terre,' i.e. a galliard deprived of its characteristic jumps and springs. Both dances were in 3-time. The following is the tune of the Tourdion given in the 'Orchésographie':

Further particulars as to these dances may be found in the 'Provinciales' of Antonio de Arena (1537). [See Trihoris.]

[ W. B. S. ]