Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/B/Baltazarini

by John Weeks Moore

Baltazarini, a celebrated violinist, was sent, at the head of a band of violin players, from Piedmont, by Marshal Bressac, to Catharine of Medicis, and appointed by that princess her first valet de chambre, and superintendent of her music. He was the delight of' the court, as well by his skill on the violin as by his invention of ballets, or f�tes with dancing and music. It was he who composed, in 1581, the ballet for the nuptials of the Duke de Joyeuse with Mademoiselle de Vaudemont, sister of the queen; an entertainment that was represented with extraordinary pomp. Dr. Burney thinks this was the origin of the heroic and historical ballet in France.