Jehan Titelouze

This French organist and composer served in the church of St. Jean in Rouen from 1585 and as the organist for the Cathedral of Rouen from 1585 until his death. He was the first significant composer of organ music from France. Though his expressions and stylings were conservative and even barren of elaboration, ornamentation and development, his versets proved polyphonically sound. The music was played alternatively with the choir. Titelouze was also known for his knowledge of organ building and was consulted on a number of occasions not only in Rouen but also in Amiens and Poitiers. ~ Keith Johnson