Michel Lambert was
an influential and prolific French composer during the 17th century.
As a singing master, he was a man of repute and his
composition of dramatic airs was crucial in the development of the French opera
tradition that would come to fruition at the hands of Lully and Rameau.
Born at
Champigny-sur-Veude in 1610, Lambert received his early musical education as an
altar boy at the Chapel of Gaston d'Orléans. He further studied with Pierre de
Nyert in Paris, and by 1636, had already established himself as a singing
teacher. In 1651, he appeared at the court of Louis XIV as a ballet dancer.
Once at the royal court, however, his compositional career was soon firmly
established. By 1656, his compositions were regularly being published and in
1661, he was appointed maître de musique de la chambre du roi (Master of Music of the King's Chamber), a
position he held until his death. In 1670, he was further appointed Kapellmeister.
During this time, Lambert collaborated with the
superintendent of music and his son-in-law Jean-Baptiste Lully in the creation
of several ballets. Lambert died in Paris on June 29, 1696.
Michel Lambert
Biography
Michel Lambert was an influential and prolific French composer during the 17th century. As a singing master, he was a man of repute and his composition of dramatic airs was crucial in the development of the French opera tradition that would come to fruition at the hands of Lully and Rameau.
Born at Champigny-sur-Veude in 1610, Lambert received his early musical education as an altar boy at the Chapel of Gaston d'Orléans. He further studied with Pierre de Nyert in Paris, and by 1636, had already established himself as a singing teacher. In 1651, he appeared at the court of Louis XIV as a ballet dancer. Once at the royal court, however, his compositional career was soon firmly established. By 1656, his compositions were regularly being published and in 1661, he was appointed maître de musique de la chambre du roi (Master of Music of the King's Chamber), a position he held until his death. In 1670, he was further appointed Kapellmeister. During this time, Lambert collaborated with the superintendent of music and his son-in-law Jean-Baptiste Lully in the creation of several ballets. Lambert died in Paris on June 29, 1696.