Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

First Performance

:

Jan 18, 1668

Movement_count

:

17

Movement ....

"Le carnaval, ou Mascarade de Versailles" is a ballet composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully in 1679. The plot of the ballet revolves around a carnival or masquerade ball held at the Palace of Versailles. The ballet is divided into several movements, each of which features different characters and dances. The ballet opens with a prologue in which the god of love, Cupid, introduces the theme of the carnival and invites the audience to join in the festivities. The first movement features a group of shepherds and shepherdesses who dance and sing in celebration of the carnival. The second movement introduces a group of commedia dell'arte characters, including Harlequin, Columbine, and Pierrot, who perform a comic dance. The third movement features a group of Spanish dancers who perform a fiery flamenco. The fourth movement introduces a group of Turkish dancers who perform a lively belly dance. The fifth movement features a group of Polish dancers who perform a traditional polonaise. The sixth movement introduces a group of French dancers who perform a stately minuet. The final movement of the ballet features a grand ball, in which all of the characters come together to dance and celebrate. The ballet concludes with a final chorus in which Cupid invites the audience to join in the festivities once again. "Le carnaval, ou Mascarade de Versailles" premiered at the Palace of Versailles on January 9, 1679. The ballet was a great success and was performed several times throughout the carnival season. The ballet is notable for its elaborate costumes and sets, as well as its innovative use of dance and music to tell a story. Overall, "Le carnaval, ou Mascarade de Versailles" is a lively and entertaining ballet that captures the spirit of the carnival season. Its colorful characters, lively dances, and catchy music make it a classic of the Baroque era.

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