What is considered standard in a typical Baroque suite?

In a typical Baroque suite, a set of contrasting dances is organized into pairs, and the sarabande and gigue are often included in the repertoire. The allemande commonly follows the prelude and is typically a moderate dance that is smooth and flowing. The courante usually follows the allemande and is characterized by its lively tempo and texture. The sarabande is a slow, stately dance often found in the suite, recognized for its emphasis on the second beat, which provides a sense of gravity and elegance. The suite usually concludes with the gigue, a fast and lively dance that adds a sense of joy and momentum to the overall structure.

While other dance forms, such as the fugue and toccata, are prominent in the Baroque period, they do not specifically fit the standard structure of a suite. Similarly, the passacaglia and chaconne, though important forms in Baroque music, generally appear in different contexts, often as variations rather than as standard components of a suite. Thus, the combination of sarabande and gigue exemplifies the typical elements found in Baroque suites.