Daquin, Louis Claude

Born July 4, 1694, in Paris; died June 15, 1772, in Paris. French composer, organist, and harpsichordist.

Daquin began serving as an organist in churches in 1715. He became organist of the royal choir in Paris in 1739. He composed harpsichord pieces (The Cuckoo is part of the contemporary piano repertory), Christmas carols for organ and harpsichord. cantatas, and other works. Daquin’s compositions are written mostly in the rococo style and are characterized by refinement, gallantry, and sentimentality. In his best works he anticipates the genre imagery and lyric psychological depth of the classical composers of the 18th century.