Simon Simon (c.1735-c.1788)
- Concerto (Sol majeur) Pour le Clavecin des
'Pièces de clavecin dans tous les genres avec et sans accompagnement de violon ... oeuvre 1ère' (c.1760)
(World Premiere
Recording)
Performers: Pau NG on Sibelius with samples of a German harpsichord
(18th Century)
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French harpsichordist and composer. His life remains somewhat shrouded
in mystery. While François-Joseph Fétis suggested a birth year around
1720, an announcement in 'L’avant coureur' from 1761 describes him as
'still very young', casting doubt on this early date. As a child, he was
sent to study with his uncle named 'Butet', an organist, but his
uncle's 'mediocre talents' hindered the young musician's progress. A
fortunate encounter at age 13 with the Marquise de la Mézangère, a pupil
of François Couperin, dramatically changed his trajectory. The Marquise
welcomed him into her Parisian home, providing harpsichord lessons
herself and entrusting his musical education to the violinist
Saint-Saire. By 1754, Simon had already established himself as a
teacher, attracting a large number of pupils. Despite the demands of his
burgeoning career, he dedicated time to composition, studying with
Antoine Dauvergne. As a composer, his early works, including petits
motets and harpsichord pieces, were performed in private concerts and
garnered critical acclaim. His harpsichord compositions, published as
Op.1 in 1761, impressed Joseph Brunon Le Tourneur, 'maître de clavecin
des enfants de France', leading to a remarkable marriage and the promise
of succeeding to Le Tourneur's prestigious royal position. His career
flourished then and he became harpsichord teacher to the dauphine, the
queen, and the Countess of Artois. Although he assumed Le Tourneur's
duties upon his retirement, the official title did not transfer to him
until 1770. He should not be confused with a violist named 'Simon' who
composed six symphonies in 1748 or the composer 'Simon' active between
1757 and 1771.
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