Page "Masque" Paragraph 1

The masque was a form of festive courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th and early 17th century Europe, though it was developed earlier in Italy, in forms including the intermedio ( a public version of the masque was the pageant ).

A masque involved music and dancing, singing and acting, within an elaborate stage design, in which the architectural framing and costumes might be designed by a renowned architect, to present a deferential allegory flattering to the patron.

Professional actors and musicians were hired for the speaking and singing parts.

Often, the masquers who did not speak or sing were courtiers: King James I's queen consort, Anne of Denmark, frequently danced with her ladies in masques between 1603 and 1611, and Henry VIII and Charles I performed in the masques at their courts.

In the tradition of masque, Louis XIV danced in ballets at Versailles with music by Jean-Baptiste Lully.