Composer Unknown: Quadrille (from Easy Inventions)

Quadrille is a French word meaning 'square'. Originally a military parade formation, it later evolved into a ballroom dance. Typically, four couples (male and female) form a square. It is often found in duple meter. Since this piece is in quadruple meter, it can be considered a short piece inspired by the quadrille. Teachers are encouraged to search for videos of the quadrille, show them to students, and help them grasp the feel of the dance. In any case, researching and understanding the etymology is very important.

This Quadrille has a tempo marking of 'allegretto'. There are also dynamic markings, but it is uncertain whether these were added by the original composer of this piece. Nevertheless, let's refer to them. As mentioned earlier, this is a lively dance piece, so it should be played lightly, joyfully, and without rushing.

It is clearly divided into two halves, each 8 measures long. Let's look at the first 8 measures. They are divided into two phrases of 4 measures each. The tension builds towards measures 3 and 7 respectively. Within these 8 measures, the root position chord appears only in measure 8. All other chords are in inversion. Since measure 8 is the only point of repose, try to maintain the musical flow throughout the 8 measures.

In the second half, there are three 2-measure sequences: measures 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14. Alternatively, one could consider them as 9-10, 11-12, and 13-16. In any case, do not play all three of these phrases in the same way. Vary the expression for each. Perhaps imagine it as one couple dancing at a time, while the other couples rest.

Although there is no 'rit.' or other marking in the final measure 16, it would be good to 'slightly' broaden the tempo.