Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

April 1, 1629

Death

:

April 23, 1691

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Jean-Henri d'Anglebert was a French composer and harpsichordist who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in 1629 in Bar-le-Duc, a small town in northeastern France. His father was a musician and served as the court organist for the Duke of Lorraine. It was under his father's tutelage that d'Anglebert began his musical education. As a young man, d'Anglebert moved to Paris to study with some of the most renowned musicians of the time. He studied composition with Jacques Champion de Chambonnières and harpsichord with Louis Couperin. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented musician and was appointed as the court harpsichordist for King Louis XIV in 1652. D'Anglebert's most famous work is his collection of harpsichord pieces, which he published in 1689 under the title "Pièces de clavecin." This collection contains some of the most beautiful and complex music of the Baroque period. The pieces are characterized by their intricate ornamentation, complex harmonies, and virtuosic keyboard writing. One of the most famous pieces in the collection is the "Chaconne," a set of variations on a repeating bass line. This piece is notable for its use of chromaticism and its complex harmonic structure. Another famous piece is the "Tombeau de Mr. de Chambonnières," a tribute to d'Anglebert's former teacher. This piece is a beautiful and melancholy work that showcases d'Anglebert's skill as a composer. D'Anglebert was also known for his skill as a performer. He was renowned for his ability to improvise on the harpsichord, and his performances were said to be both virtuosic and deeply expressive. He was also known for his skill as a teacher, and many of his students went on to become famous musicians in their own right. Despite his success as a musician, d'Anglebert was not without his struggles. He suffered from poor health throughout his life, and he was often in financial difficulties. He also faced competition from other musicians, including his own student, François Couperin. D'Anglebert died in 1691 at the age of 62. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music that continues to be admired and studied by musicians today. His contributions to the development of the harpsichord as a solo instrument were significant, and his influence can be heard in the works of many later composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach. In conclusion, Jean-Henri d'Anglebert was a talented and influential composer and harpsichordist who made significant contributions to the development of Baroque music. His collection of harpsichord pieces, "Pièces de clavecin," remains one of the most important works of the Baroque period, and his skill as a performer and teacher helped to shape the musical landscape of his time. Despite his struggles, d'Anglebert's legacy continues to be celebrated and admired by musicians and music lovers around the world.

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