saltarello
Rare / Highly SpecialisedTechnical / Historical
Definition
Meaning
A lively, leaping Italian dance popular from the 14th to 19th centuries, characterised by its triple time and quick, skipping steps.
A piece of music composed for or in the style of this dance; more generally, any quick, jumping dance of Italian origin.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively used in historical, musicological, or dance contexts. Its meaning is highly specific, with little to no figurative use in modern English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No substantive differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Implies a high degree of cultural or historical specificity; connotes expertise in Renaissance/Baroque music, dance, or Italian culture.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The dancers performed the saltarello.The piece was a lively saltarello.He composed a saltarello for lute.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is too specific for idiomatic usage.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical musicology, dance history, and Renaissance studies.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered or used.
Technical
Standard term in Early Music performance practice and historical dance reconstruction.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The ensemble will saltarello during the third movement.
- They saltarelloed across the stage with great energy.
American English
- The dancers saltarello as part of the Renaissance fair routine.
- He saltarelloed his way through the piece.
adverb
British English
- The melody moved saltarello-like across the scale.
- He played the passage saltarello, with a light touch.
American English
- They danced almost saltarello, but it wasn't historically accurate.
- The tune goes saltarello at the end.
adjective
British English
- The saltarello section requires precise footwork.
- He has a saltarello style of playing.
American English
- The saltarello rhythm is infectiously upbeat.
- She taught the saltarello steps in her workshop.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The music was fast. It was for a dance called a saltarello.
- They danced a saltarello at the festival.
- The concert included a traditional Italian saltarello.
- The saltarello is an old dance where people jump and skip.
- The composer incorporated a saltarello into the suite to evoke a Renaissance atmosphere.
- Learning the saltarello requires mastering its distinctive triple-time hop.
- His thesis analysed the evolution of the saltarello from a rustic folk dance to a stylised courtly form.
- The lutenist's rendition of the saltarello was noted for its impeccable articulation and sprung rhythm.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SALT' + 'ARE' + 'LO' – Imagine dancers jumping (leaping) so energetically they spill SALT, and you ARE LOoking on.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY; JOY IS UPWARD MOTION (the leaping steps).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'сальто' (somersault).
- Do not directly translate as a generic 'прыжок' (jump). The term refers to a specific cultural artefact.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'saltarelo', 'saltarela', or 'saltorello'.
- Using it as a general term for any fast dance.
- Pronouncing the double 't' as a hard 't' rather than a flap/tap.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'saltarello' most commonly used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are lively Italian dances, the saltarello is typically in triple time (e.g., 3/4, 6/8) and involves leaping steps, originating from central Italy. The tarantella is usually in a fast 6/8 and is associated with southern Italy, historically linked to the treatment of tarantula bites.
It is highly unlikely to be relevant. Using it outside a specific discussion about historical European dance or music would likely confuse the listener, as it is a very specialised term.
Historically, saltarellos were played on lutes, viols, recorders, and other Renaissance instruments. In modern performances, these original instruments or their analogues (like the guitar) are used.
Yes. It comes from the Italian verb 'saltare', meaning 'to jump' or 'to leap', referring directly to the dance's characteristic jumping steps.