Louis Grabu

Full biography Louis Grabu

Louis Grabu (also known as Grabut, Grabue, or Grebus) was a Catalan-born composer and violinist who lived between 1665 and after 1693. He was mainly active in England, where he spent most of his career. It is believed that Grabu received his musical training in Paris under the tutelage of French composer and conductor Jean-Baptiste Lully.

Grabu was known for his skills as a composer, violinist, and conductor. His talent was recognized by the English monarchy, and he was appointed as the Master of the King's Music in 1690, succeeding John Banister. He also served as a violinist in the court of Charles II.

Grabu's compositions were mainly written for the English court, and he is known to have written music for a number of plays and operas, including "Le Triomphe de l'Amour," which was an all-sung French-style opera. Grabu's music was predominantly written in the Baroque style, which was popular during his time, and his works demonstrated a clear influence from the French Baroque style.

While Grabu's music has not gained the same level of recognition as some of his more well-known contemporaries, such as Henry Purcell, his contributions to the English Baroque music scene were significant. His compositions and performances were highly regarded by his contemporaries, and he was recognized for his skills as a musician and composer.