Jean-Baptiste Lully

Definition

Jean-Baptiste Lully was a French composer and dancer, who played a key role in the development of ballet and opera during the Baroque period. He is best known for integrating music and dance, creating a new theatrical form that greatly influenced the evolution of ballet as an art form. His work helped to elevate dance to a central position in the performing arts, particularly in the royal courts of France.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lully was born in Florence, Italy in 1632 but moved to France where he became a prominent figure at the court of Louis XIV.
2. He is credited with establishing the French style of opera, known for its grandeur and elaborate choreography.
3. Lully's work often featured themes from mythology and history, using music to enhance the storytelling aspect of ballet and opera.
4. He created the 'French overture', a musical form characterized by its slow introduction followed by fast sections, which became a standard in orchestral music.
5. Lully died in 1687 after accidentally injuring his foot while conducting, leading to an infection that ultimately claimed his life.

Review Questions

• How did Jean-Baptiste Lully contribute to the integration of music and dance in the Baroque period?
  • Jean-Baptiste Lully was pivotal in merging music with dance, especially through his compositions for ballet and opera. He emphasized choreography as an essential element of performance, enhancing the dramatic narrative through music. His works showcased how dance could convey emotions and stories, thus elevating its importance within theatrical productions.
• In what ways did Lully's collaborations with Molière influence the theatrical landscape of France?
  • Lully's collaborations with Molière brought together comedy, music, and dance in a unique theatrical format. This fusion resulted in lively performances that attracted audiences and popularized the genre of comedy-ballet. By combining Molière's sharp wit with Lully's musical compositions, they created a new entertainment style that blended various art forms effectively.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Jean-Baptiste Lully on the development of ballet and opera as performing arts.
  • Jean-Baptiste Lully's influence on ballet and opera is profound and enduring. His emphasis on choreography in operatic works set standards for future compositions, while his innovations in orchestration defined the sound of Baroque music. Lully established a framework for the integration of music and movement that continues to inform contemporary performance practices in both ballet and opera, making him a key figure in their historical evolution.

Related terms

Ballet de cour: A type of court ballet that combined dance with music and drama, popularized in France during the 16th and 17th centuries, which laid the groundwork for classical ballet.

Molière: A renowned French playwright and actor who collaborated with Lully on several productions, blending comedy with music and dance in theatrical performances.

Opera: A dramatic work that combines singing, orchestral music, and sometimes dance, which Lully significantly shaped through his compositions in the 17th century.