Elisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (1665–1729), a pioneering French Baroque composer, broke gender norms by becoming the first French woman to compose an opera, “Céphale et Procris,” in 1694. Born into a musical family, she navigated a male-dominated field, gaining recognition from contemporaries like François Couperin and Marin Marais. The late 17th-century French cultural milieu, marked by a blend of French and Italian influences, saw de La Guerre’s compositions, particularly her violin sonatas, stand out for their fusion of grandeur and lyricism.
De La Guerre’s Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Major is a pinnacle of Baroque chamber music, comprising four movements – Adagio, Presto, Sarabande, and Gigue. The work, while adhering to Baroque structural norms, reveals de La Guerre’s unique style. Comparisons with contemporaries like Corelli and Lully highlight her adept synthesis of French and Italian elements, showcasing virtuosity and ornamentation. The sonata not only exemplifies technical prowess but also underscores de La Guerre’s pioneering role in challenging gender norms, leaving an enduring impact on Baroque music.
Composer biography:
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