Robert Cambert

Background

He was born in Paris c. 1628

Education

He studied music under Chambonnières. His first position was as organist at the church of Saint-Honoré in Paris.

Career

His earlier works, the words of which were furnished by Pierre Perrin, continued to be performed before the court at Vincennes till the death of his patron Cardinal Mazarin.

Displeased at his subsequent neglect, and jealous of the favour shown to Lulli, who was musical superintendent to the king, he went in 1673 to London, where soon after his arrival he was appointed master of the band to Charles II.

One at least of his operas, Pomone, was performed in London under his direction, but it did not suit the popular taste, and he is supposed to have killed himself in London in 1677.

His other principal operas were Ariadne ou les amours de Bacchus and Les Peines et les plaisirs de Г amour.

Achievements

• His opera Pomone was the first actual opera in French.

Connections

married:

Marie

In 1655, after he had obtained the post of organist at the church of St Honore, he married Marie du Moustier.