Composer

:

Claude-Bénigne Balbastre

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1759

Average_duration

:

4:30

Claude-Bénigne Balbastre was a French composer, harpsichordist, and organist who lived from 1724 to 1799. He was a prominent figure in the French musical scene during the 18th century, and his works were widely performed and admired. One of his most famous compositions is 'La d'Héricourt', a suite of pieces for harpsichord that was composed in the mid-1760s. 'La d'Héricourt' is a suite of six movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The suite is named after Madame d'Héricourt, a wealthy patron of the arts who was a friend and supporter of Balbastre. The suite was composed in 1764 and was first performed in public in 1765. The first movement of the suite is a lively and energetic allegro in G major. It features a playful melody that is passed between the hands of the harpsichordist, accompanied by a lively bass line. The second movement is a graceful and elegant andante in E minor. It features a lyrical melody that is played in the right hand, accompanied by a simple bass line in the left hand. The third movement is a lively and rhythmic allegro in G major. It features a lively melody that is played in the right hand, accompanied by a driving bass line in the left hand. The fourth movement is a gentle and expressive adagio in E minor. It features a beautiful melody that is played in the right hand, accompanied by a simple bass line in the left hand. The fifth movement is a lively and playful allegro in G major. It features a lively melody that is played in the right hand, accompanied by a lively bass line in the left hand. The final movement is a lively and energetic allegro in G major. It features a lively melody that is played in the right hand, accompanied by a driving bass line in the left hand. Overall, 'La d'Héricourt' is a charming and delightful suite of pieces that showcases Balbastre's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both elegant and playful. The suite is a testament to the rich musical culture of 18th-century France and remains a popular and beloved work in the harpsichord repertoire.

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