The Glamorous Life

King Louis XIV was very fond of his “humble” abode in Versailles and designed certain rooms for the pure purpose of Pleasure. Charpentier’s divertissement, Les Plaisirs de Versailles, was most likely written for the king's entertainment on any night of the week. There's dramatic music, which provides a little intrigue and interest, such as Charpentier's Suite from Circe.  As all great parties do come to an end, there's  always one last dance- the plangent, lugubrious Chaconne from Leclair’s Recreation de Musique Op.8 in g minor. Its final notes are the perfect finish to an evening that started out very simply- a little music, a little conversation.

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