Robert de Visée

17th-Century French Lutenist and Composer

Robert de Visée was a French musician and composer who flourished in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He held a prestigious position at the court of Louis XIV as a guitarist, theorbist, and singer, and was also appointed as a chamber musician to the king. De Visée's compositions primarily include works for theorbo and guitar, which were popular instruments during the Baroque period. His music is well-regarded for its elegance and complexity, reflecting the refined atmosphere of the French court. De Visée's pieces have been preserved in several manuscripts and publications that showcase his mastery of the French lute tradition. His works continue to be performed and recorded by early music specialists who seek to capture the essence of Baroque performance practice. Although specific albums such as "Pieces De Theorbe," "Portrait," or "Pièces Pour La Théorbe & La Guitare" may exist in modern recordings by various artists interpreting de Visée's compositions, these would be interpretations by performers or ensembles specializing in early music rather than albums produced by de Visée himself, as he lived in a time before recorded music.