Composer

:

Nicolas G. Lendormy

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

ca. 1760

The Second Livre de Pièces pour le Pardessus de Viole is a collection of pieces composed by Nicolas G. Lendormy. It was published in Paris in 1730 and is considered one of the most important works for the pardessus de viole, a small viola da gamba that was popular in France during the 18th century. The Second Livre consists of 25 pieces, divided into five suites. Each suite follows the traditional French dance suite form, with movements such as allemandes, courantes, sarabandes, and gigues. However, Lendormy also includes some more unusual movements, such as a "Menuet en rondeau" and a "Chaconne en rondeau." The pieces in the Second Livre are characterized by their elegance and refinement. Lendormy was a master of the pardessus de viole, and his writing for the instrument is virtuosic and expressive. The music is full of ornamentation, with trills, mordents, and other embellishments adding to the beauty of the melodies. One of the most notable features of the Second Livre is Lendormy's use of the pardessus de viole's high register. The instrument's small size and high tuning allow it to play in a range that is similar to that of a violin, and Lendormy takes full advantage of this in his writing. The result is a collection of pieces that are both delicate and powerful, with a unique sound that is unlike anything else in the baroque repertoire. The Second Livre de Pièces pour le Pardessus de Viole was premiered in Paris in 1730, and it quickly became popular among French musicians. Today, it is still considered one of the most important works for the pardessus de viole, and it is frequently performed and recorded by modern musicians who specialize in early music.

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