Composer

:

Louis Marchand

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Publication Date

:

ca. 1732

Average_duration

:

11:53

Louis Marchand was a French Baroque composer and organist who lived from 1669 to 1732. He was known for his virtuosic organ playing and his compositions for the instrument. One of his most famous works is the "Pièces d'orgue, Livre II," a collection of organ pieces that was published in 1708. The "Pièces d'orgue, Livre II" consists of nine movements, each of which showcases Marchand's skill as an organist and composer. The movements are as follows: 1. Plein jeu - This movement is a full organ piece that features a lively and energetic theme. It is characterized by its use of multiple voices and its fast tempo. 2. Fugue - The second movement is a fugue that is based on a simple theme. It features intricate counterpoint and a gradual buildup of intensity. 3. Trio - The third movement is a trio that features a melody played by the right hand, accompanied by two other voices in the left hand. It is a more subdued piece that showcases Marchand's ability to create beautiful harmonies. 4. Basse de trompette - This movement is a bass line that is played in the pedal of the organ. It is accompanied by a trumpet-like melody in the right hand and a more subdued accompaniment in the left hand. 5. Tierce en taille - The fifth movement is a piece that features a melody played in the middle register of the organ. It is accompanied by a bass line in the pedal and a more ornamental accompaniment in the upper register. 6. Dialogue - The sixth movement is a dialogue between two voices, one played in the upper register and one played in the lower register. It features a call-and-response structure and a lively tempo. 7. Récit de cromorne - The seventh movement is a solo piece that features a melody played on the cromorne stop of the organ. It is a more introspective piece that showcases Marchand's ability to create beautiful melodies. 8. Grand jeu - The eighth movement is a full organ piece that features a fast and lively theme. It is characterized by its use of multiple voices and its virtuosic pedal work. 9. Fugue - The final movement is another fugue that is based on a more complex theme. It features intricate counterpoint and a gradual buildup of intensity. Overall, the "Pièces d'orgue, Livre II" is a masterful collection of organ pieces that showcases Marchand's skill as a composer and organist. The pieces are characterized by their intricate counterpoint, virtuosic pedal work, and beautiful melodies. The collection was first published in 1708 and has since become a staple of the organ repertoire.

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