Piano Pieces by Lully: Masterworks by a Composer Favored by the King of France
Jean-Baptiste Lully was a Baroque-era composer who wielded immense influence as the court musician to Louis XIV in the Kingdom of France, which once existed in Europe.
Though often described as lacking in humanity and notorious for his capricious behavior that earned him many enemies, he nevertheless left behind works across every genre—ballet, comédie-ballet, opera, and sacred music—making full use of his musical genius.
In this article, we have carefully selected and introduced works by Lully that are still beloved today in performances on the piano—a instrument that did not exist at the time they were composed.
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[Lully’s Piano Pieces] Masterworks by a Royally Favored French Musician (1–10)
suiteJean-Baptiste Lully
Jean-Baptiste Lully, a master of French Baroque music, thrived at the court of Louis XIV as a composer of ballets and dance music.
Many of his works take the form of suites, reflecting the styles of social dances of the time.
In Lully’s suites, dances such as the Allemande and Courante unfold one after another over elegant melodies and rhythms, embodying the very essence of glittering Baroque music.
With melodies that feel somehow familiar and an abundance of the court’s luxurious atmosphere, his works are perfect both as an introduction to Baroque music and as pieces for piano performance.
Gavotte and RondoJean-Baptiste Lully
Jean-Baptiste Lully, whose talents were adored by King Louis XIV of France, is one of the composers who led Baroque music.
Among his works, the especially popular Gavotte and Rondeau is a sparkling dance piece that graced court balls.
Marked by elegant, supple melodies, it draws listeners into a refined atmosphere.
Today, this piece is often arranged for piano, moving away from its original instrumentation.
The difficulty is not very high, making it ideal as an introduction to Baroque music.
Cherish the dance-like rhythmic character and aim for a performance with poise and dignity.
Minuet in D minorJean-Baptiste Lully
Jean-Baptiste Lully, favored at court and hugely influential in French Baroque music, achieved great success with his comédie-ballets with the playwright Molière—known for works like Le Bourgeois gentilhomme—and with his operas in collaboration with Quinault.
This work, Minuet in D minor, exudes an elegant atmosphere and is a masterpiece that distills his allure.
Its gentle, refined rhythm conveys the dignity that is the very essence of Baroque music.
It’s a piece I especially recommend not only to classical music enthusiasts but also to anyone wishing to experience the world of the Baroque.
[Lully’s Piano Pieces] Masterworks by a Musician Favored by the King of France (11–20)
Minuet from the comic ballet ‘The Bourgeois Gentleman’Jean-Baptiste Lully
Jean-Baptiste Lully, who left a brilliant legacy in the Kingdom of France.
His life was full of upheaval, but his talent as a musician was universally acknowledged.
Among the works that fully showcase the splendor of Baroque music, the “Minuet” from the incidental music to the comédie-ballet Le Bourgeois gentilhomme is a particularly striking piece whose character vividly evokes the social dances of the time.
Through this piece, encountering Lully’s music will allow you to once again appreciate the beauty of Baroque music.
Te DeumJean-Baptiste Lully
Jean-Baptiste Lully is a great composer who epitomizes the Baroque music scene of 17th-century France.
Although born in Italy, he was highly favored by Louis XIV as a court musician and left a wide range of works, including operas and ballet music.
His Te Deum is a masterpiece among masterpieces, frequently performed at royal celebrations.
Set to Latin lyrics praising and thanking God, the music—woven by a majestic chorus and orchestra—is nothing short of breathtaking.
Why not enjoy this work, which fully showcases the allure of Baroque music, in a piano performance as well?
Chaconne from the opera ‘Psyche’Jean-Baptiste Lully
The Chaconne performed within the opera Psyché, created by Jean-Baptiste Lully—one of the leading composers of French Baroque music—is a piece that adorns an opera based on a tale from ancient Greek mythology.
Its elegant chaconne melodies intertwine with the epic story that depicts the trials endured before lovers are united.
Riding over a repeating bass line, the successive developments of Baroque style are overwhelming in their impact.
It is a captivating masterpiece that invites listeners into the world of myth—highly recommended for those who wish to revel in music that is as divine as it is beautiful.
In conclusion
Jean-Baptiste Lully, the Baroque master favored by Louis XIV who lived with great freedom.
Piano arrangements of his works are not very widespread, but their noble and refined music has a purifying effect on both performer and listener.
If you’re interested, why not try performing them yourself, using videos and organ scores as references?