Nicolas Gigault

Full biography Nicolas Gigault

Nicolas Gigault was a French Baroque composer and organist born sometime in 1627 or 1628, and died on August 20, 1707. Very little is actually known about his early life, but it is believed that he studied with François Roberday and Jean Titelouze. He began his career as an organist in various churches in Paris, including Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs, Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, and the royal chapel at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Gigault was known for his compositions for the organ, including his "Livre de musique pour l'orgue" which was published in 1685, and contained works such as preludes, toccatas, fugues, and hymn settings. He was also known for his contributions to the development of the French organ school, specifically in the area of "notes inégales," or the uneven division of rhythms. His works were admired not just in France, but also in Germany, where they are said to have influenced the works of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Gigault's music was generally well received, but his personal life was somewhat scandalous. He was known for his drinking and gambling habits, and was eventually fired from his position at Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs due to his behavior. Despite this, he continued to receive commissions, and he remained active as a composer and organist until his death in 1707.

Overall, Nicolas Gigault was a significant figure in the development of French baroque organ music, and his works and contributions continue to be studied and admired today.