Biography
A French composer, organist, and harpsichordist, Daquin assumed the Cordeliers post from his former instructor Marchand. He also prevailed over Rameau in the competition for a position at St. Paul's before stepping into the royal organist role vacated by Dandrieu. Surrounded by figures of that stature, Daquin earned recognition as the leading organist in France. Although his performances remained exceptional, his scores displayed limited originality in their creative approach. Popularity arrived chiefly through the noels, which he set for a wide range of instruments so that even amateurs could perform them. Daquin's writing at its strongest reflected a straightforward, guileless method; because such simplicity matched the period's norms, it secured both public favor and lasting achievement.