Antoine Forqueray

Antoine Forqueray, born in Paris in 1672, was a French composer and virtuoso of the viola da gamba, renowned for his inventive and technically demanding compositions. A child prodigy at the court of Louis XIV, Forqueray became one of the king's favorite performers, earning a reputation as one of the foremost players of his time. He composed over three hundred works for the bass viol, although none have survived in autograph manuscript form. His son, Jean-Baptiste Forqueray, also followed in his footsteps as a player and composer. Forqueray's legacy includes the "Pièces de viole mises en pièces de clavecin," a collection dedicated to Madame la Dauphine, showcasing his mastery of the instrument. Forqueray passed away in Mantes-la-Jolie in 1745, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to captivate audiences.