Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

ca. 1710

Death

:

ca. 1760

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Charles Dollé was a French composer of the Baroque era, born in Paris in 1710. He was the son of a musician and grew up in a musical family. His father, Jacques Dollé, was a viol player and composer, and his mother, Marie-Anne, was a singer. Charles Dollé showed an early interest in music and began studying the violin and harpsichord at a young age. Dollé's musical education continued at the Royal Academy of Music in Paris, where he studied composition with Jean-Philippe Rameau. Rameau was one of the most important composers of the Baroque era, and his influence can be heard in Dollé's music. Dollé also studied the organ with Louis Marchand, another prominent French composer of the time. Dollé's early compositions were mainly instrumental works, including sonatas and suites for the violin and harpsichord. He also wrote music for the theater, including ballets and operas. One of his most successful works was the ballet Les Amours de Mars et de Vénus, which was first performed in Paris in 1745. In addition to his work as a composer, Dollé was also a respected music teacher. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music in Paris and had many private students. One of his most famous pupils was the composer Christoph Willibald Gluck, who went on to become one of the most important composers of the Classical era. Dollé's music is characterized by its elegance and refinement. He was known for his use of ornamentation and his skillful handling of melody and harmony. His works are often compared to those of his contemporaries, such as Rameau and François Couperin. One of Dollé's most famous works is his Suite in G Major for harpsichord. This piece is a collection of dances, including a prelude, allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue. The suite is notable for its use of ornamentation and its lively rhythms. Another important work by Dollé is his Sonata in D Major for violin and harpsichord. This piece is a three-movement work that showcases Dollé's skill as a composer of chamber music. The sonata is notable for its use of counterpoint and its expressive melodies. Dollé's music was popular during his lifetime, but it fell out of favor in the years following his death. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in his music, and his works are now being performed and recorded more frequently. In conclusion, Charles Dollé was a talented composer of the Baroque era. His music is characterized by its elegance and refinement, and he was known for his skillful handling of melody and harmony. His works are a testament to the rich musical tradition of France during the 18th century, and they continue to be enjoyed by audiences today.

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