Jean-Adam Guilain

Jean-Adam Guilain Freinsberg (born Johann Adam Wilhelm Freinsberg; c. 1680 – after 1739) was a German-French organist and harpsichordist who was mostly active in Paris during the first half of the eighteenth century. Biography Little is known about his life. He was born in Germany, possibly around 1680 (the exact dates of birth and death are unknown). For an unknown reason he moved to France some time before 1702, and almost certainly became one of Louis Marchand’s pupils - Guilain’s organ collection is dedicated to Marchand, by then a prominent organ teacher. He was a Catholic, though it is unknown whether he was baptised Catholic or converted later. Guilain died some time after 1739, the year when he published a collection of harpsichord pieces. Compositions Although of German origin, Guilain’s musical style appears to be in the pure French tradition. Harpsichord The sole surviving copy of Guilain’s only known collection of harpsichord works may be found in the collection of the British Library. The volume is entitled “PIÈCES DE CLAVECIN / D’UN GOUT NOUVEAU / PAR Mr. GUILAIN./ Gravées par De Gland Graveur du Roy./ Prix 3l./ A PARIS.” and has twenty-six pieces: * Fanfare * Je veux