Composer

:

Marin Marais

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Publication Date

:

1701

Average_duration

:

6:47

Marin Marais, a French composer and viol player, composed the "Tombeau pour M. de Lully in B minor" as a tribute to his mentor and friend, Jean-Baptiste Lully, who had passed away in 1687. The piece is part of Marais' "Pièces de viole, Book II" and is numbered as No. 95. The "Tombeau pour M. de Lully" premiered in Paris in 1725, almost forty years after Lully's death. It is a slow and mournful piece, typical of the tombeau genre, which was popular in France during the 17th and 18th centuries. The tombeau was a musical form used to pay homage to a deceased person, often a musician or a patron of the arts. The "Tombeau pour M. de Lully" is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked "Lentement," is a somber and introspective prelude that sets the mood for the rest of the piece. The second movement, "Gracieusement," is more lively and dance-like, with a gentle and flowing melody. The third movement, "Lourdement," is the most dramatic and intense of the four, with a heavy and mournful theme that builds to a powerful climax. The final movement, "Gayement," is a brief and uplifting coda that brings the piece to a peaceful and hopeful conclusion. The "Tombeau pour M. de Lully" is a masterful example of Marais' skill as a composer and a viol player. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate ornamentation, which showcase the full range of the viol's capabilities. It is also a testament to Marais' deep respect and admiration for Lully, who was one of the most influential composers of his time and a pioneer of French opera.

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