BALBASTRE MUSIC FOR ORGAN. BALBASTRE, CLAUDE. 1724-1799. Manuscript musical score, 'Livre d'orgu...

BALBASTRE MUSIC FOR ORGAN. BALBASTRE, CLAUDE. 1724-1799. Manuscript musical score, 'Livre d'orgue a l'usage de l'eglise de St. Roch de Paris ... partie d'hiver,' 182 pp recto and verso, oblong 4to (305 x 230 mm), [Paris, c. 1760], in black ink with titles in red, blue, and green, some decorated with yellow, containing 77 separate pieces of music, with an index at the back. Contemporary mottled calf, ruled in gilt, marbled endpapers. Joints cracked, heavily chipped and worn, leather dry, contents with some browning and handling marks. Written in an unknown but impeccable hand, this sheet music provides organ themes for a variety of specific applications relevant to the church, all listed in a neatly organized index at the back. Balbastre, himself the son of a church organist, moved from his native Dijon to Paris in 1750, and studied under the organist at the Saint Roche church. He then succeeded his mentor and developed into one of the most respected musicians in Paris in his day. He became the organist at Notre-Dame, and instructor to Marie-Antoinette. During the French Revolution he lost his official posts, but adapted to the political situation, writing revolutionary hymns and songs. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing