Charles Fleury

Who was Charles Fleury?

Charles Fleury, Sieur de Blancrocher was a French lutenist. Known principally under the name Blancrocher, he was one of the leading performers of his day, active in Paris. Whether he composed or not is unknown; a single dance movement survives, attributed to him, in the so-called Manuscrit Vaudry de Saizenay. His name became well known in the late 20th century, for after his sudden death as many as four major composers wrote tombeaux in his memory: lutenists Denis Gaultier and François Dufaut, and harpsichordists Louis Couperin and Johann Jakob Froberger. The latter witnessed Blancrocher's death, and the lutenist apparently died in Froberger's arms.

He was the son of Louis, Valet de chambre du roi, and Mathurine de Vallois. He left six children underage. His son Charles married Anne de Franchere or de Fransure in 1633.