Partita

Definition

A multi-movement work for keyboard instruments, originating in Baroque music. The term 'Partita' is derived from the Italian word 'partire', meaning 'to begin'. In piano repertoire, notable examples include J.S. Bach's 'Partitas for Keyboard No. 1-6', and Domenico Scarlatti's harpsichord 'Partitas'. The piano partita typically consists of several dance movements such as allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue.