Composer

:

Marin Marais

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Publication Date

:

1711

Average_duration

:

5:02

Marin Marais was a French composer and viol player who lived from 1656 to 1728. He was a prominent figure in the French Baroque music scene and was known for his compositions for the viol, a stringed instrument similar to a cello. One of his most famous works is the Grande Ballet in A minor, which is the thirteenth piece in his Pièces de viole, Book III. The Grande Ballet in A minor was composed in the late 17th century and premiered in Paris in 1692. It is a suite of dances, consisting of several movements that are played in succession. The piece is written for a viol consort, which typically includes a bass viol, tenor viol, and treble viol. The first movement of the Grande Ballet in A minor is a lively and energetic prelude, which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. This is followed by a series of dances, including a sarabande, a gavotte, and a bourrée. Each of these dances has its own distinct rhythm and character, but they are all united by a common theme and harmonic structure. One of the most notable characteristics of the Grande Ballet in A minor is its use of ornamentation. Marais was known for his skill in improvisation and ornamentation, and this is evident in the intricate trills, turns, and other embellishments that are woven throughout the piece. These ornaments add a sense of virtuosity and complexity to the music, and they require a high level of technical skill from the performers. Another characteristic of the Grande Ballet in A minor is its use of harmony. Marais was a master of harmony, and he often used unexpected chord progressions and modulations to create a sense of tension and release in his music. This is particularly evident in the final movement of the piece, which features a series of descending chromatic chords that create a sense of melancholy and longing. Overall, the Grande Ballet in A minor is a masterpiece of French Baroque music. It showcases Marais's skill as a composer and viol player, and it remains a popular and beloved work to this day.

More....