siciliana

1. A type of aria or instrumental movement in the late 17th and 18th centuries. The siciliana (also siciliano) was normally written as a dance in a slow 6/8 or 12/8 time with short phrases. Use of the siciliana after the 18th century was commonly linked to peasant dances of Sicily in pastoral scenes with melancholy emotions often in a minor key. This is often seen as alla siciliano or in the style of a siciliana. 

 

2. A style of accompanied recitation of poetry or singing of poetry (strambotto siciliano) that was employed in the 14th century through the early 17th century. 

 

3. A dance, similar to a slow gigue, that was popular from the late 16th to the 18th century. Although included in dance suites, little is known of the siciliana as a real dance.