Composer

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Louis-Nicolas Clérambault

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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ca. 1710

Louis-Nicolas Clérambault's 'Premier Livre et Plain-Chant for organ' is a collection of organ pieces that was composed in the early 18th century. The collection was first published in 1710 and was dedicated to the Duke of Orleans. The premiere of the collection is not known, but it is believed to have been performed in various churches in Paris. The collection consists of eight movements, each of which is based on a different plainchant melody. The movements are titled: Plein Jeu, Fugue, Trio, Basse de Cromorne, Flûtes, Récit de Nazard, Caprice sur les grands jeux, and Dialogue sur les grands jeux. The collection is written in the French Baroque style and is characterized by its use of ornamentation, rhythmic complexity, and virtuosic passages. The first movement, Plein Jeu, is a grand and majestic piece that showcases the full range of the organ. The second movement, Fugue, is a contrapuntal piece that features a complex interplay between the different voices. The third movement, Trio, is a lighter and more playful piece that features a dialogue between three voices. The fourth movement, Basse de Cromorne, is a slow and contemplative piece that features the cromorne stop on the organ. The fifth movement, Flûtes, is a bright and cheerful piece that features the use of the flute stops on the organ. The sixth movement, Récit de Nazard, is a lyrical and expressive piece that features the use of the nazard stop on the organ. The seventh movement, Caprice sur les grands jeux, is a virtuosic piece that showcases the performer's technical abilities. The final movement, Dialogue sur les grands jeux, is a grand and majestic piece that features a dialogue between the different voices of the organ. Overall, Clérambault's 'Premier Livre et Plain-Chant for organ' is a masterful collection of organ pieces that showcases the composer's skill and creativity. The collection is a testament to the rich tradition of French Baroque music and remains a popular choice for organists today.

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