Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Besard

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1617

Average_duration

:

2:04

Ballo del Gran Duca is a dance suite composed by Jean-Baptiste Besard, a French lutenist and composer, in the early 17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written around 1610. The piece was first published in Besard's collection of lute music, Thesaurus Harmonicus, in 1603. The Ballo del Gran Duca consists of five movements, each with its own distinct character and tempo. The first movement, titled "Pavana," is a slow and stately dance in duple meter. The second movement, "Gagliarda," is a lively and energetic dance in triple meter. The third movement, "Corrente," is a fast and flowing dance in triple meter. The fourth movement, "Sarabanda," is a slow and graceful dance in triple meter. The final movement, "Giga," is a fast and lively dance in duple meter. The Ballo del Gran Duca is characterized by its use of counterpoint and intricate harmonies. The piece is written for solo lute, and the complex interplay of voices creates a rich and full sound. The dance suite is also notable for its use of ornamentation, with trills, mordents, and other embellishments adding to the overall texture of the music. The Ballo del Gran Duca was a popular piece in the early 17th century, and it has remained a favorite among lutenists and early music enthusiasts to this day. The piece is often performed on the lute, but it has also been arranged for other instruments, including the guitar and harp. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Besard's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and musically satisfying.

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