Louis-Gabriel Guillemain

Having been raised by the Count of Rochechouart, Guillemain began the study of music early and was able to study directly with Somis. He was enabled to travel to Italy, was one of the highest paid court musicians, and performed in numerous concerts before the king and queen of France. He did not perform at the Concert Spirituel probably due to an uneasiness toward performing in front of large audiences. All of his musical productions were for instrumental pieces and include at least eighteen opus. His penchant for the violin is brought out in the demands upon the violinist and the requisite virtuostic techniques. All of the genres for which he composed -- sonatas, symphonies, concertinos, dances, harpsichord sonatas with violin accompaniment, and various dances -- demonstrate Guillemain's keen awareness of the sonata-allegro form. Characteristics of his compositions include a clear distinction between primary and secondary themes, key-modulation, galant stylings for the symphonic form, delightful melodies and prime examples of the French instrumental suite.
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