Composer

:

Claude-Bénigne Balbastre

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Gavotte

Average_duration

:

2:46

Claude-Bénigne Balbastre was a French composer, harpsichordist, and organist who lived from 1724 to 1799. He was known for his keyboard transcriptions of popular operas and ballets of his time. One of his most famous transcriptions is the "Transcription for keyboard of Mondville's Titon et L'Aurore: 1st and 2nd Gavottes A." The original work, "Titon et L'Aurore," was an opera-ballet composed by Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville in 1753. The opera-ballet was a popular genre in France during the 18th century, combining elements of both opera and ballet. The story of "Titon et L'Aurore" revolves around the love story between the shepherd Titon and the goddess of dawn, Aurore. Balbastre's transcription of the 1st and 2nd Gavottes A from "Titon et L'Aurore" was composed in the late 18th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been composed sometime between 1770 and 1780. The transcription was written for solo keyboard, most likely for the harpsichord or the fortepiano. The "Transcription for keyboard of Mondville's Titon et L'Aurore: 1st and 2nd Gavottes A" consists of two movements, both of which are gavottes. The first gavotte is in the key of G major and is marked "gracieusement" (gracefully). The second gavotte is in the key of D major and is marked "gaiement" (merrily). The characteristics of Balbastre's transcription are typical of his style. He was known for his use of ornamentation and embellishment, which can be heard throughout the transcription. The transcription also features a variety of textures, from simple melodies to complex harmonies and counterpoint. Balbastre's use of dynamics and articulation also adds to the overall expressiveness of the transcription. Overall, Balbastre's "Transcription for keyboard of Mondville's Titon et L'Aurore: 1st and 2nd Gavottes A" is a beautiful example of his skill as a keyboardist and composer. The transcription captures the essence of the original opera-ballet while showcasing Balbastre's unique style and interpretation.

More....