Composer

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Jacques Champion Chambonnières

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Sarabande

Jacques Champion Chambonnières was a French harpsichordist and composer who lived from 1601 to 1672. He was one of the most important figures in the development of the French harpsichord style, and his music was highly influential in the Baroque era. The Sarabande for harpsichord in A major (Book I, 11-12) is one of Chambonnières' most famous works. It was composed in the mid-17th century and is part of his first book of harpsichord pieces. The exact date of composition is not known, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 1650 and 1660. The Sarabande is a slow, stately dance in triple meter that was popular in the Baroque era. It is typically played with a moderate tempo and a strong emphasis on the second beat of each measure. Chambonnières' Sarabande is no exception, and it features a simple, elegant melody that is accompanied by a series of arpeggios and chords. The piece is divided into two movements, each of which is played in A major. The first movement is marked "Gracieusement" (gracefully) and features a gentle, flowing melody that is played in the right hand. The left hand provides a simple accompaniment that consists of broken chords and arpeggios. The second movement is marked "Lentement" (slowly) and is more somber in tone than the first. It features a more complex melody that is played in both hands, with the left hand providing a series of arpeggios and chords that support the right hand's melody. The piece ends with a simple cadence that brings the two movements to a close. Overall, Chambonnières' Sarabande is a beautiful example of the French harpsichord style. It is characterized by its elegant melody, simple accompaniment, and graceful, flowing rhythms. It remains a popular piece among harpsichordists and Baroque music enthusiasts to this day.

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