Pierre Attaingnant

(ca. 1494 - late 1551 or 1552)

French printer and publisher. Son-in-law and heir of the printer-engraver Philippe Pigouchet (fl. 1490-1514). Beginning with a collection of chansons dated April 4, 1527/28, he used movable type and a single impression, a method that was probably his invention. Royal privileges protecting his music books were granted or renewed three times, about a year after the first book was printed, in 1531, and in 1537. Eventually he was named imprimeur et libraire du Roy en musique . His publications include several books of pieces in lute tablature or keyboard score, seven books of Masses, fourteen books of motets, and over thirty-six books of chansons, plus numerous re-editions. New music by French composers dominates most of these books, and, in contrast to the usual practice of the times, very little material comes from the publications of his competitors.





IVE: Music for Organ and Lute  |  IVI: The French Chanson