This suite comprises a Prelude and 3 dances (Menuet, Gigue and Gavotte) and were written to accompany a 16th century carousel for a French Prince, Archbishop, Cardinal or Bishop.
Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687) was born in Florence, Italy. He worked his way up the hierarchy at the palace at Versailles, from kitchen-boy, language teacher, dancer, and finally court composer to the King Louis XIV, the “Sun King”. His duties included supplying music for the most grandiose court entertainments; to this end he, in collaboration with the great playwright Molière, created a new form entitled the “comédie-ballet” such as operas and ballets, to more intimate settings such as music to accompany banquets.
This suite comprises a Prelude and 3 dances (Menuet, Gigue and Gavotte) and were written to accompany a 16th century carousel for a French Prince, Archbishop, Cardinal or Bishop. Carousels were inspired by Middle Eastern games, witnessed by Knights during the Crusades and involved Knights with decorated horses charging at full speed, trying to put the tip of their lance through a golden ring. This work was originally scored for Trumpets, Oboes and Timpani.
