Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Ballet

Publication Date

:

1685

First Performance

:

October 20, 1685

Average_duration

:

6:16

Movement_count

:

45

Movement ....

"Le temple de la paix" is a ballet composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully in 1685. The plot revolves around the goddess of peace, Pax, who descends from the heavens to bring an end to the war between France and Spain. The ballet was commissioned by King Louis XIV to celebrate the Treaty of Nijmegen, which ended the Franco-Dutch War. The ballet is divided into four movements, each representing a different aspect of the peace treaty. The first movement, "La Paix," features Pax descending from the heavens and being welcomed by the French and Spanish ambassadors. The second movement, "La Reconnaissance," depicts the French and Spanish armies laying down their arms and acknowledging each other as equals. The third movement, "La Joie," celebrates the end of the war with a joyful dance. The final movement, "Le Triomphe," features Pax being crowned by Louis XIV and hailed as the bringer of peace. The music of "Le temple de la paix" is characterized by Lully's signature style of French Baroque music, with its emphasis on dance rhythms and elaborate ornamentation. The ballet also features a large orchestra, including strings, winds, brass, and percussion, as well as a chorus. "Le temple de la paix" premiered at the Palace of Versailles on February 20, 1685, and was performed several times throughout the year. The ballet was a great success, and helped to cement Lully's reputation as one of the greatest composers of his time. Overall, "Le temple de la paix" is a beautiful and uplifting work of art that celebrates the power of peace and the triumph of diplomacy over war. Its timeless message continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a beloved classic of the ballet repertoire.

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