A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Tambourin (dance)
TAMBOURIN, an old Provençal dance, in its original form accompanied by a Flute and Tambour de Basque, whence the name was derived. The drum accompaniment remained a characteristic feature when the dance was adopted on the stage, the bass of the tune generally consisting of single notes in the tonic or dominant. The Tambourin was in 2-4 time, of a lively character, and generally followed by a second Tambourin in the minor, after which the first was repeated. A well-known example occurs in Rameau's 'Pièces de Clavecin,' and has often been reprinted. It was introduced in Scene 7, Entré III, of the same composer's 'Fêtes d'Hébé,' where it is entitled 'Tambourin en Rondeau,' in allusion to its form, which is that of an 8-barred Rondeau followed by several 'reprises.' The same opera contains (in Entrée I, Scenes 5 and 9) two other Tambourins, each consisting of two parts (major and minor). We give the first part of one of them as an example. Mlle. Camargo is said to have excelled in this dance.
