Composer

:

Jean-Henri d'Anglebert

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Publication Date

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1689

Average_duration

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23:45

Jean-Henri d'Anglebert's 'Suite No. 2 in G minor (Pièces de Claveçin)' is a collection of eight pieces for harpsichord. It was composed in the late 17th century, around 1689-1690, during the reign of Louis XIV in France. The suite was premiered in the royal court of Versailles, where d'Anglebert served as the harpsichordist to the king. The suite consists of eight movements, each with its own unique character and style. The first movement, Allemande, is a slow and stately dance in duple meter. The second movement, Courante, is a faster dance in triple meter, characterized by its lively and intricate rhythms. The third movement, Sarabande, is a slow and solemn dance in triple meter, often used as a contrast to the faster movements. The fourth movement, Gavotte, is a lively dance in duple meter, featuring a distinctive rhythm and melody. The fifth movement, Menuet, is a graceful dance in triple meter, often used as a courtly dance. The sixth movement, Gigue, is a fast and lively dance in compound meter, characterized by its energetic rhythms and virtuosic passages. The seventh movement, Chaconne, is a slow and stately dance in triple meter, featuring a repeating harmonic progression and variations on a melodic theme. The final movement, Passacaille, is a slow and solemn dance in triple meter, featuring a repeating bass line and variations on a melodic theme. The suite is characterized by its elegant and refined style, typical of the French Baroque period. It features intricate ornamentation, delicate phrasing, and a sense of balance and symmetry in its structure. The suite also showcases d'Anglebert's virtuosic skills as a harpsichordist, with its challenging technical passages and complex harmonies. Overall, 'Suite No. 2 in G minor (Pièces de Claveçin)' is a masterpiece of the French Baroque period, showcasing the elegance and refinement of the era. Its eight movements offer a diverse range of styles and moods, making it a popular choice for harpsichordists and Baroque music enthusiasts alike.

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