A rapid and delirious sort of Neapolitan dance in 6-8 time, which moves in whirling triplets; -- so called from a popular notion of its being a remedy against the poisonous bite of the tarantula. Some derive its name from Taranto in Apulia.

Music suited to such a dance.

music composed in six-eight time for dancing the tarantella

a lively whirling Italian dance for two persons

a folk dance from southern Italy that accelerates from its already quick tempo and alternates between major and minor keys

a piece written as a fast and lively dance; originated in Italy, where the dance was supposed to either be caused by the bite of a tarantula spider or be a cure for it

A rapid italian dance (supposed to cure the bite of a tarantula). [back