The leading French opera composer in the period between Jean-Baptiste Lully and Jean-Philippe Rameau, Campra wrote several tragédies en musique and opéra-ballets that were extremely well received.

Campra added violins to the performance of sacred music at the Paris cathedral, a controversial innovation in an era when they were considered street instruments.

He began to compose for the theatre in 1697 and published some theatrical compositions under his brother's name to protect his reputation with church authorities.

After the death of the regent Philippe d'Orléans in December 1723, Campra became sous-maître at the Royal Chapel in Versailles.

With his composition of L'Europe galante (1697), he became highly regarded in opéra-ballet, a musical genre originated by Pascal Colasse with Les saisons in 1695.