Influences de la symphonie concertante sur la musique de la Cour parisienne sous l'Empire et la Restauration (1800-1830)

Abstract

The origins of the very much appreciated "symphonie concertante" can be found in the importance of public concerts given in Paris at the end of the 18th century. The specific repertoire played at the French Court during the years 1800-1830 distinctly shows this vogue for the "symphonie concertante", for it reveals the still unknown importance of virtuosity. Considered as an musical entertainment for the pompous parties at the French Court or as an musical accompaniment for the masses given at the Imperial and Royal Chapel, this "decorative concertant syle" became an essential part of the Regime etiquette during the Napoleonic empire as well as the Restoration period. This music, perfectly incorporated into the official guidelines, will disappear as a consequence of the political events of 1830 and the arrival of a new aesthetic movement, the Romanticism.