Michel-Richard Delalande

As an organist Lalande once worked at four churches in Paris simultaneously. Seeking an appointment to the court, Louis XIV was impressed by his abilities but thought him to young to be appointed in a "du roi" position. In 1683 he became a "sous-maitre" in the royal chapel and a composer of music for the chamber in 1685. The tenure of the positions were granted for one quarter of the year to differen composers. Lalande, accordingly, shared his responsibilities to the king with others. As they retired or moved elsewhere, Lalande gradually gained control of the entire year. Lat...