ALLEMANDE, a name for two kinds of dance, one a Ger man national dance, in 2-4 time, the other somewhat resembling a waltz (from Fr. for German). In music, it signifies a certain kind of movement in a suite, usually following the prelude and preceding the courante (q.v.), with which it is contrasted in rhythm ; but this has no connection with the dance. The name, however, is also applied to pieces of music based on the dance movement, examples of which are found in Beethoven's German dances for the orchestra. (See DANCE.)