Robert, Pierre

views updated

Robert, Pierre

Robert, Pierre , French composer; b. Louvres, near Paris, c. 1618; d. Paris (buried), Dec. 30, 1699. He spent most of his career in Paris, where he studied at the Notre Dame choir school. About 1637 he became a priest. He was maître de chapelle at Senlis Cathedral (1648–50), in Chartres (1650–52), and at Notre Dame (1653–63). In 1653 he was made one of the four sous-maîtres of the royal chapel, serving with Du Mont, Gobert, and Expills. After the latter two retired in 1669, Robert shared the duties with Du Mont. They also served jointly as Compositeur de la musique de la chapelle et de la chambre du roi from 1672 to 1683. In 1684 Robert left the royal service. He also served as abbot of Chambon, Poitiers diocese (1671–99), and of St. Pierre-de-Melun (1678–99). He publ. Motets pour la chapelle Roy for 5 to 6 Voices and Basso Continuo (Paris, 1684), 24 grands motets in the style of Lully. Also extant are 10 petits motets for 2 to 4 Voices (1688).

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

More From encyclopedia.com