Sheet Music: Siciliana

TitleSiciliana
ComposerGiovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710–1736)
InstrumentationFlute and Harpsichord/Piano
KeyE minor
RangeD4–D6
Time signature6/8
Tempo34 BPM
Performance time2:30
Difficulty levelintermediate
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (115 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (2.1 MB)
Play-along accompanimentMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (2.2 MB)
Date added2010-05-07
Last updated2010-05-07
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 1.3 (average)
Categories
Baroque, Sicilianas

Performances

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Friday 7 May 2010

Tune of the Day: Siciliana

by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi

The siciliana (or “siciliano”, or “sicilienne”) is a dance often included as a movement within larger works of music starting in the Baroque period. It can be in a slow 6/8 or 12/8 time, with lilting rhythms making it somewhat resemble a slow jig, and is usually in a minor key. It was used for arias in Baroque operas, and often appeared as a movement in instrumental works. The siciliana is traditionally associated with pastoral scenes and melancholy emotion.

The siciliana we present today was written by one of the greatest prodigies in musical history: the Italian baroque composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. It is a slow and gentle piece which has become somewhat popular among flutists and violinists.