Blanchard was a French composer most highly influenced by both the Italian style and Handel. He is considered to be the last important composer standing for church music to employ the figured bass to be read by cembalist or organist, doubling the lowest violin part. Blanchard maintained a singlular identity in his music with motion in the melody, quick changes required in violin positions, and softened melodies and meters in the bass violins as well as greater detail in their parts. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi