chaconne

American  

[sha-kawn, -kon, shah-, sha-kawn] / ʃæˈkɔn, -ˈkɒn, ʃɑ-, ʃaˈkɔn /

noun

plural

chaconnes

1. an ancient dance, probably of Spanish origin, in moderate triple meter.

2. a musical form based on the continuous variation of a series of chords or of a ground bass.

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chaconne British  

/ ʃakɔn, ʃəˈkɒn /

noun

1. a musical form consisting of a set of continuous variations upon a ground bass See also passacaglia

2. archaic a dance in slow triple time probably originating in Spain

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Etymology

Origin of chaconne

1675–85; < French < Spanish chacona

Example Sentences

The third movement, “Giulio’s Song,” begins with a chaconne in memory of Corigliano’s friend Giulio Sorrentino, using a theme that Sorrentino and Corigliano had once improvised together.

From The New Yorker • May 30, 2019

The second half was devoted to two suites by John Blow and three by his pupil Henry Purcell, each followed by a chaconne or a ground.

From Washington Post • Jan. 15, 2017

Whole musical forms, such as the waltz or the chaconne, fall apart just as the dinner party does.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2016

The act two chaconne was superb in its control and grace, while some exquisite playing ushered us into Le Soleil's palace in act four.

From The Guardian • Mar. 10, 2013

Presently the dance changed into the chaconne with its prominent bass theme, again turning to the poetic and stately sarabande.

From Mistress Penwick by Payne, Dutton