Definition

Proper noun * Jean-Baptiste Lully: The name refers to a specific historical figure, a French composer of Italian birth. He is noted for being the court composer to King Louis XIV of France and for playing a pivotal role in establishing French national opera.

Usage Notes

• "Lully" is used almost exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. It is not used as a common noun with a general meaning.
• It is typically found in historical, musical, and cultural contexts discussing Baroque music, French opera, or the court of Louis XIV.

Examples

• In historical context:
  • The music of Lully dominated the French court during the reign of the Sun King.
  • The development of the tragédie en musique is largely credited to Lully and his librettist Philippe Quinault.
• In musical discussion:
  • The conductor specializes in Baroque repertoire, particularly the works of Lully and Rameau.
  • This overture follows the slow-fast pattern established by Lully.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively to describe things related to his style or era.
  • The dancers performed a Lully-esque court ballet.
  • The orchestra uses period instruments for an authentic Lully sound.

Variants and Related Words

• Lullian (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of Jean-Baptiste Lully or his music.
  • The piece exhibits typical Lullian ornamentation.

Synonyms

• Jean-Baptiste Lully (full name).
• Giovanni Battista Lulli (original Italian birth name).

Related Terms and Context

• Baroque music: The musical period during which Lully worked.
• (tragedy in music): The form of French opera he helped create.
• Court of Louis XIV: The royal setting for which he composed most of his music.
• French opera: The genre he was instrumental in founding.

Noun

1. French composer (born in Italy) who was the court composer to Louis XIV and founded the national French opera (1632-1687)