Claude-Benigne Balbastre (1724-1799) was a French composer and organist, primarily associated with the Baroque and early Classical genres. He was a prominent figure in Parisian music during the late 18th century, known for his contributions to keyboard music, particularly for the harpsichord and organ. Balbastre is most renowned for his "Pièces de Clavecin," a collection of keyboard works that showcases his compositional style, blending French elegance with Italian influences. His "Troisième Livre de Pièces de Clavecin" and "Pièces pour orgue" are among his notable works, which include a variety of suites, variations, and character pieces. As a performer, Balbastre was recognized for his virtuosic playing, particularly on the organ, and he was the organist at the prestigious church of Saint-Jacques-la-Boucherie in Paris. His impact on music is significant; he helped transition the French keyboard style towards a more classical idiom, influencing subsequent generations of composers. Balbastre's work also contributed to the development of the French symphonic style, leaving a lasting mark on the evolution of keyboard music in Europe.