Michel Richard Delalande (1657-1726)
- Caprice des Simphonies pour le Souper du Roy (1703)
Performers: Orchestre de chambre Paul Kuentz; Paul Kuentz (conductor)
Further info: Michel Richard Delalande (1657-1726) - Te Deum
---
French composer, harpsichordist and organist. He was the leading
composer of the high Baroque grand motet at the French court. He was the
15th child of Michel Lalande, a Parisian master tailor, and Claude
Dumoutiers. He joined the choir of the royal church of
St.Germain-l'Auxerrois about 1666 and sang there until his voice broke
at age 15. He became a distinguished organist and harpsichordist, giving
instruction on the latter to two of the daughters of Louis XIV by his
mistress Mme. de Montespan. He was also active as a church organist in
Paris. In 1683 he became one of the four sous-maitres of the Royal
Chapel; he was in sole charge from 1714 until 1723, when Louis XV
restored the other three positions. He then was joined by Campra,
Bernier and Gervais. In 1685 he was named 'compositeur de la musique de
la chambre', a title he solely held from 1709 to 1718. He also was
'surintendant de la musique de la chambre' from 1689 to 1719. He was
made a Chevalier of the Order of St. Michel by Louis XV in 1722.
Delalande's grand motets are outstanding, being notable for their
mastery of the Versailles style. He is also distinguished by his music
for the stage. He deftly used music from his ballets and divertissements
in his 'Simphonies pour les soupers du Roi', which were played at the
dinners of Louis XIV and Louis XV. According to the ‘Discours’, he died
of pneumonia. He was buried in the church of Notre Dame de Versailles,
not far from the château where he had served for 43 years.
