As an organist Lalande once worked at four churches in Paris simultaneously. Seeking an appointment to the court, Louis XIV was impressed by his abilities but thought him to young to be appointed in a "du roi" position. In 1683 he became a "sous-maitre" in the royal chapel and a composer of music for the [royal] chamber in 1685. The tenure of the positions were granted for one quarter of the year to differen composers. Lalande, accordingly, shared his responsibilities to the king with others. As they retired or moved elsewhere, Lalande gradually gained control of the entire year. Later he also held the positions of superintendent of the music for the [royal] chamber and master of music. When Louis XIV died (1715) Lalande gradually conceded his responsibilities to others. He was the leading composer of the grand motet and wrote over seventy compositions in this type of setting. He forged a synthesis of diverse musical idioms. Included in the motets were Gregorian melodies, counterpoint and courtly mannerisms. His harmonies were enigmatic and with them he yielded a profound sense of pathos to the compositions. Other musical genres in which he composed included ballets and symphonies. As he aged his compositions became more complex and diverse combining such elements as airs and duets with greater degrees of counterpoint. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi