From the Suite no. 8 in G major, this piece is a great example of a typical French dance suite movement. It is helpful to rehearse the beginning of the piece to the downbeat of the third full measure. In doing this you can develop ensemble playing, stressing rhythmic precision and silence during rests. Each part in this arrangement require position changes and trills. Have the students work on a short, precise trill separate from the piece. Although you may choose to alter the length of each trill on a contextual basis, the following suggestion serves as a model for practice:
Cultural/Historical Context:
Robert de Visée (1650-1725) served in the court of Louis XIV as a singer, theorbo, viol and guitar player. In 1719 he was named “Guitar Master of the King” (Maître de Guitare du Roi). He published two books of guitar music containing 12 suites and a small assortment of isolated pieces. Have the students investigate the movements in a typical French dance suite and briefly discuss the characteristics of each dance.