Louis-Claude Daquin (or d'Acquin), (July 4, 1694 – June 15, 1772) was a French Baroque composer. He was a virtuoso organist and harpsichordist.
He was born in Paris, and evidently was a child prodigy, for he performed for King Louis XIV at the age of six. At the age of 12, he refused the job of organist at Sainte-Chapelle, instead taking the similar post offered to him by Petit St Antoine. In 1727 he was appointed organist at St Paul, besting Jean-Philippe Rameau for the job; five years later he became organist at the Cordeliers. In 1739 he became organist to the king. In 1755 he succeeded Antoine Calvière as titular organist of Notre-Dame cathedral.
Much of his music has been lost. Surviving works include four harpsichord suites, settings of Christmas carols, a cantata, and an air à boire. Among the most famous of his works are the Swiss Noel (Noël Suisse) and Le Coucou (The Cuckoo).
Listening
References and further reading
- "Louis-Claude Daquin," in The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, ed. Stanley Sadie. 20 vol. London, Macmillan Publishers Ltd., 1980. ISBN 1561591742
External link
- Daquin
- Click one of these links to listen to 3 "Noëls" on the organ
