Originally, the minuet was a rustic dance which was introduced by Lully and other composers to Louis XIV's Court in the 1650s. "Minuet" is believed to have been derived from the French word "menu" meaning small (steps). It is usually in triple meter and moderate tempo.
During the classical period, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and others inserted the minuet as the third movement in their symphonies, string quartets, etc. The minuet was played at a slightly faster tempo, based on three sections: Minuet(A) - Trio (B) - Minuet (A).
