Louis-Nicolas Clérambault

Louis-Nicolas Clérambault (1676-1749) was one of the most important composers attached to the Royal court of King Louis XIV, "The Sun King." Born to a musician in Paris, Clérambault initially gained fame as an organist and later obtained his Royal appointment through the influence of his father. Like his contemporary André Campra, Clérambault sought a union of French and Italian styles. Clérambault's greatest realization of this goal was through his cantatas, although he is best known in modern times for his organ and keyboard music. Clérambault was one of the first composers to apply titles to instrumental pieces like sonatas and sinfonias.