Composer

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Louis Marchand

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Louis Marchand was a French Baroque composer and organist who lived from 1669 to 1732. He was known for his virtuosic keyboard playing and his compositions for the organ and harpsichord. One of his most famous works is the collection of keyboard pieces called "Pièces choisies (12)," which was composed in the early 18th century. "Pièces choisies (12)" was composed in 1702 and premiered in Paris the same year. The collection consists of twelve pieces for harpsichord, each with its own unique character and style. The movements are as follows: 1. Prélude - This is a lively and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. 2. Allemande - This is a slower, more contemplative piece that showcases Marchand's skill at creating beautiful melodies. 3. Courante - This is a fast and lively dance that features intricate rhythms and playful melodies. 4. Sarabande - This is a slow and stately dance that is characterized by its graceful, flowing melodies. 5. Gigue - This is a fast and lively dance that features complex rhythms and virtuosic keyboard playing. 6. Menuet - This is a light and playful dance that is characterized by its simple, catchy melody. 7. Gavotte - This is a lively dance that features a catchy, upbeat melody and intricate rhythms. 8. Chaconne - This is a slow and stately dance that is characterized by its repetitive bass line and complex harmonies. 9. Passacaille - This is a slow and contemplative piece that features a repeating bass line and beautiful, flowing melodies. 10. Rigaudon - This is a fast and lively dance that features playful melodies and intricate rhythms. 11. Musette - This is a light and playful dance that is characterized by its simple, catchy melody and use of the musette, a type of bagpipe. 12. Tambourin - This is a fast and lively dance that features virtuosic keyboard playing and intricate rhythms. Overall, "Pièces choisies (12)" is a collection of keyboard pieces that showcases Marchand's skill as a composer and his virtuosic keyboard playing. The pieces are characterized by their beautiful melodies, intricate rhythms, and playful dance-like qualities. The collection remains a popular choice for harpsichordists and keyboard players today.

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