Suite

A suite is a collection of shorter pieces, or movements, gathered together and performed as one work, usually linked by a shared idea rather than the tight structural logic of a symphony. In the Baroque era, suites were typically built from a sequence of stylized dances — an allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue were common building blocks, each with its own tempo and character.

Later composers loosened the form further, assembling suites from excerpts of larger stage works (Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite draws its movements from the full ballet) or as freestanding sets of character pieces with no dance connection at all.

Where to start listening: Bach's Orchestral Suites show the Baroque dance-suite format; Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite is a friendly, melody-driven alternative.