Le Sieur de Machy

Full biography Le Sieur de Machy

Le Sieur de Machy was a French composer and viola da gamba player who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in Paris in the early 17th century but very little is known about his early life or career.

Machy is primarily known for his compositions for viola da gamba, a stringed instrument that was popular during the Baroque period. His most famous work is "Pièces de Violle", a collection of suites for solo viola da gamba which was published in Paris in 1685. This work features Machy's unique style, which combines melodic invention, virtuoso technique, and rich ornamentation.

Machy's musical style was influenced by the French royal court, where he served as a court musician. His compositions show a similar elegance and refinement, with a particular focus on melody and ornamentation. His music is characterized by a sense of beauty and lyricism, combined with a virtuosic technique that was typical of the French Baroque.

Despite his relatively small output, Machy's works for the viola da gamba are considered some of the most important compositions for the instrument from the Baroque era. His influence on the development of the French style of viola da gamba playing was significant, and his compositions are still performed and celebrated by musicians today.