A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Ballets

by William H. Cummings

BALLETS, compositions of a light character, but somewhat in the madrigal style, frequently with a 'Fa la' burden which could be both sung and danced to; these pieces, says Morley (Introduction), were 'commonly called Fa las.' Gastoldi is generally supposed to have invented or at all events first published ballets. His collection appeared in 1597 [App. p.530 "1591"], and was entitled 'Balletti a cinque voci, con li suore versi per cantare, suonare et ballare.' The first piece in the book is a musical 'Introduzione a i Balletto,' with directions for the performers 'Su cacciam man a gli stromenti nostri, e suoniam et cantiam qualche Balletti.' These must therefore have had both instrumental and dancing accompaniments. In 1595 Morley published a collection of 'Ballets for five voices,' professedly in imitation of Gastoldi, and was followed three years later by Weelkes, with 'Ballets and Madrigals to 5 voices.' 'Balletto' is used by Bach for an allegro in common time. See Catalogue, Anh. 1. Ser. 3. Inv. 2 & 6.

[ W. H. C. ]