galant
French era
Definition
An 18th-century musical style characterized by elegant simplicity, tuneful melody, clear phrase structure, and a light homophonic texture — a deliberate reaction against Baroque complexity. J.C. Bach was one of its foremost practitioners and a key conduit of this style from the Italian to the German and English musical worlds.
Interpretive Guidance
Approach galant passages with singing tone and light articulation. Ornaments should be graceful and unhurried. Resist the urge to add Romantic weight — the character is charm, wit, and ease, not drama or grandeur.