Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (1665-1729) was a pioneering French musician and composer who made significant contributions to the Baroque music era. Born into a family of musicians and instrument makers, she demonstrated prodigious talent from a young age, performing for the French court, including King Louis XIV, who was so impressed by her abilities that he took her under his patronage. Her upbringing in an artistic environment, combined with royal favor, allowed her to develop a career unusual for a woman in the 17th century.

La Guerre is chiefly recognized for her work in keyboard music, notably her "Pièces de Clavecin," which were published in 1687 and included numerous suites for the harpsichord—displaying her mastery of the instrument and French baroque style. She was also a prolific composer of vocal music, writing cantatas, operas like "Céphale et Procris," and biblical tales set to music such as "Judith" and "Sémélé." Additionally, her chamber works, including several violin sonatas, exhibit her versatility and depth as a composer. Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre remains a celebrated figure for breaking gender barriers in music composition and for her lasting contributions to the canon of baroque music.

Genres

Baroque

French Baroque

Latest Release

Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre: Sonate pour violon et basse continue No. 1 in D Minor: VI. Aria

Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre•

Sophie de Bardonnèche•

Justin Taylor

Single - Released March 15, 2024