Chambonnières may be regarded as the founder of the school
of French keyboard music that led to François Couperin
and Rameau. A member of the minor nobility, he entered the royal
service and enjoyed a career of varied material success, while
nevertheless winning a considerable reputation as a performer
and composer. At the least he exercised a strong influence over
the father and two uncles of François Couperin le grand,
Charles, Louis and François.
Keyboard Music
The keyboard music of Chambonnières includes dances, a collection of which was published in 1670, assembled into suites by key, although not originally so conceived.