Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

March 17, 1665 in Paris, France

Death

:

June 27, 1729 in Paris, France

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Elizabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre was a French composer and harpsichordist who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. She was born in Paris in 1665, the daughter of a musician and instrument maker. Her father recognized her musical talent at a young age and began teaching her the harpsichord and composition. Jacquet de la Guerre's talent was quickly recognized by the French court, and she was appointed as a musician to King Louis XIV at the age of just five. She continued to perform for the king and his court throughout her childhood and teenage years, and her compositions began to gain recognition as well. In 1684, Jacquet de la Guerre published her first collection of harpsichord music, which was dedicated to the king. The collection was well-received and helped establish her as a composer of note. She continued to compose and perform for the court, and in 1693 she was appointed as a chamber musician to King Louis XIV's wife, Queen Marie-Thérèse. Jacquet de la Guerre's most famous work is her opera, "Céphale et Procris," which was first performed in 1694. The opera was a great success and helped establish Jacquet de la Guerre as one of the leading composers of her time. She went on to compose several more operas, as well as chamber music, cantatas, and other vocal works. In addition to her work as a composer, Jacquet de la Guerre was also a highly skilled harpsichordist. She performed regularly for the court and was known for her virtuosic playing. She also taught music to several members of the French nobility, including the daughters of King Louis XIV. Despite her success and recognition during her lifetime, Jacquet de la Guerre's music fell into obscurity after her death in 1729. It wasn't until the 20th century that her work began to be rediscovered and appreciated by modern audiences. Today, Jacquet de la Guerre is recognized as one of the most important composers of the French Baroque period. Her music is known for its elegance, lyricism, and technical skill, and her contributions to the development of French opera and chamber music are widely recognized.

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