Composer

:

Claude-Bénigne Balbastre

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude

Average_duration

:

5:04

Claude-Bénigne Balbastre was a French composer and organist who lived from 1724 to 1799. He was a prominent figure in the French Baroque music scene and was known for his keyboard compositions. One of his most famous works is the Prelude Non Mesure for keyboard. The Prelude Non Mesure was composed in the mid-18th century and was likely intended for the harpsichord or clavichord. It is a short, improvisatory piece that is characterized by its lack of a strict time signature. Instead, the piece is marked "non mesure," which means "without measure." This allows the performer to play the piece with a free, improvisatory feel, without being constrained by a strict time signature. The Prelude Non Mesure is a single-movement work that is typically performed in a slow, contemplative tempo. It begins with a simple, chordal introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The main body of the piece consists of a series of short, melodic phrases that are repeated and developed throughout the piece. The phrases are often ornamented with trills and other embellishments, adding to the improvisatory feel of the piece. One of the most notable characteristics of the Prelude Non Mesure is its use of dissonance. Balbastre was known for his use of dissonance in his compositions, and this piece is no exception. The dissonances are used to create tension and drama, and they are often resolved in unexpected ways, adding to the improvisatory feel of the piece. The Prelude Non Mesure was likely composed for private performance, rather than for public concerts. It was intended to be played in a more intimate setting, where the performer could experiment with different interpretations and improvisations. Despite its simple structure and lack of a strict time signature, the Prelude Non Mesure is a challenging piece to perform, requiring a high level of technical skill and musical sensitivity. The Prelude Non Mesure has remained a popular piece among keyboard players and has been recorded by numerous artists over the years. It is a testament to Balbastre's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and emotionally expressive.

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