Lully's court ballets often featured a five-part string orchestra, modeled after the 'Vingt-quatre Violons du Roi,' and could also include wind instruments like flutes, oboes, and bassoons.
Historical Context
Court ballets, such as Lully's, were considered a powerful political instrument by Louis XIV's father, Louis XIII, due to the symbols they conveyed.
Composition History
Jean-Baptiste Lully's Ballet Royal de la Naissance de Vénus, a ballet with 12 entrées, premiered on January 26, 1665, at the Palais-Royal in Paris.
Composer Biography
Jean-Baptiste Lully, a composer, actor, dancer, and conductor, became an indispensable figure for royal celebrations, starting his career with Louis XIV's cousin, the Grande Mademoiselle.
Notable Performances
The Ballet Royal de la Naissance de Vénus was performed nine times, with the audience eager to see 'Madame' (Henrietta of England) open the ballet as Venus and the king (Louis XIV) appear as Alexander the Great.
Composition History
The Ballet Royal de la Naissance de Vénus was created in homage to 'Madame,' Henrietta of England, the king's sister-in-law.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in 24-bit/96kHz with an A=392 tuning and Vallotti temperament.
You might also enjoy...
Jéliote, haute-contre de Rameau
Beyond
Songs
Dumesny, haute-contre de Lully
ARC
Inferno e Paradiso
Wagner: Götterdämmerung, WWV 86D (Remastered 2021) [Live at Auditorio del Foro Italico, Rome, 1953]
