Jean-Henri d'Anglebert

• Born: April 01, 1629
• Died: April 23, 1691
• Genres: Classical

Biography

French composer of keyboard music. D'Anglebert published four suites for harpsichord, together with a Kyrie and five short fugues for organ. This publication represents some of the most polished French keyboard writing of the time. His style puts an elaborate counterpoint and precise system of embellishments at the service of an elegant melodic line, which is never obscured by these additions -- his suites show a facility at working with multiple lines at a time to form a unified counterpoint. Typical of the period, his harpsichord suites include unmeasured preludes and all manner of dances. His celebrated Tombeau to Chambonnieres pays hommage to the first important French exponent of solo harpsichord performance; his small organ output provides a welcome glimpse into the playing of the period. ~ Todd McComb, All Music Guide