Nicolas Vallet

Vallet was among the great figures in lute music located in the Netherlands when Sweelinck was so influential in the musical life there. Vallet was noted both as a composer and a performer who accorded the full and extensive use of the lute in his compositions. Characteristics of his works included dance rhythms, balanced embellishments, and ornate melodies. Though he worked in the Netherlands his compositional style and tablature betrayed French underpinnings. The majority of his works were composed while in Amsterdam during the years 1614 until 1620. Vallet's musical responsibilities were great which can be ascertained by a study of the contracts entered into during these years. For example, in 1626 he entered a partnership with some of the English musicians present in Amsterdam including Richard Swift, Edward Hancock and Robert Tindel. Accordingly they shared tasks and their responsibilities and financial obligations -- remunerations and penalties -- were clearly demarcated. ~ Keith Johnson