Wood engraving from
Les Pseaumes de David
by Adrian Le Roy et Robert Balard
Paris : Imprimeurs du Roy, 1567

Adrian Le Roy (c.1520–1598) was born in the town of Montreuil-sur-Mer in northern France to a wealthy family.  Little is known about his formative years, but he was probably a chorister and studied the lute, guitar and cittern.

Le Roy entered the service of, first, Claude de Clermont, then, Jacques II (Baron de Semblançay and Viscount of Tours), both members of the aristocracy who had influence at court.  In 1546 he met the publisher Jean de Brouilly in Paris and married his daughter Denise de Brouilly.

Le Roy and his cousin Robert Ballard (c.1525–1588) founded the printing firm “Le Roy & Ballard”, and in August 1551 obtained a royal privilege from Henry II to print music.  In 1553, the company was awarded the title of “Imprimeur du Roi en musique” (previously held by Pierre Attaignant). This office, which was renewed by successive monarchs, gave the company legal protection against competitors and commercially valuable prestige.

Royal patronage was a major factor in the company’s success since it ensured both a ready supply of new music from the court musicians and a market for its publications.  The publishing house lasted to the 19th century.