Composer

:

Claude-Bénigne Balbastre

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

1:21

Claude-Bénigne Balbastre was a French composer and organist who lived from 1724 to 1799. He was known for his keyboard music, particularly his harpsichord pieces, and was a prominent figure in the French musical scene during the 18th century. One of his most famous works is "A minuit fut fait un réveil," which was composed in 1761. The piece is a suite of four movements, each of which is based on a popular French song of the time. The first movement, "A minuit fut fait un réveil," is a lively and energetic piece that features a fast tempo and intricate keyboard work. The second movement, "La Lugeac," is a slower and more contemplative piece that showcases Balbastre's skill at creating beautiful melodies. The third movement, "La Marmotte," is a playful and whimsical piece that features a bouncy rhythm and a catchy melody. The final movement, "La Suzanne," is a lively and upbeat piece that brings the suite to a rousing conclusion. One of the most notable characteristics of "A minuit fut fait un réveil" is its use of popular French songs as the basis for each movement. Balbastre was known for his ability to take popular tunes and transform them into complex and sophisticated pieces of music, and this suite is a perfect example of that skill. Additionally, the suite showcases Balbastre's virtuosic keyboard technique, with each movement featuring intricate and challenging passages that demonstrate his mastery of the instrument. The piece premiered in 1761 and quickly became a popular favorite among French audiences. It has since become one of Balbastre's most famous works and is still performed and recorded today. Overall, "A minuit fut fait un réveil" is a testament to Balbastre's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both sophisticated and accessible to a wide audience.

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