A pavane is in what type of meter?

A pavane is characterized by its specific rhythmic structure, which is typically in a slow duple meter. It embodies a dignified and processional quality often associated with court dances. The music usually moves in a regular pattern, featuring two beats per measure, creating a strong sense of stability and grace conducive to its performance context.

The association with quadruple meter reflects certain misconceptions about the timing footprint of more complex dance forms. While some later adaptations of the pavane might incorporate elements that lend themselves to this perception, the traditional pavane retains its roots in a more straightforward duple phrasing. Hence, identifying it as having a strong duple meter reinforces the traditional view of the dance's formality and rhythm, distinct from other meters that feature differing beat groupings or complexities.