Boutmy, Josse (1697-1779)

Flemish organist, harpsichordist, and composer. He went to Brussels as a young man, entered the service of Prince Thurn and Taxis in 1736, taught at court, and was appointed organist of the royal chapel in 1744. His works include a cantata and three books of harpsichord pieces. His three sons Guillaume, Jean-Joseph, and Laurent-François were all musicians.

Guillaume Boutmy (1723-1791), also a composer, was in the service of Prince Thurn and Taxis from 1752 and in 1760 was appointed keeper of keyboard instruments at court. He composed harpsichord sonatas. Jean-Joseph Boutmy (1725-1782) was a harpsichordist, organist, and composer. He went to Ghent as a young man, taught the harpsichord there, and in 1757 was appointed organist at St Baafs. In 1764 he settled in The Hague and after 1775 in Cleves. His works include six Divertissements for harpsichord with violin ad lib, and concertos for harpsichord and orchestra. Laurent-François Boutmy (1756-1838) was a harpsichordist, organist, and composer. He deputized for his ageing father, but failed to succeed him and in 1779 settled in Rotterdam. In 1789 he went to France, but soon returned to Brussels after taking refuge in London from the French occupation. His works include various piano pieces, some with violin or flute, and vocal works with various accompaniments.