Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

before 1650

Death

:

1719

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

André Raison was a French Baroque composer and organist who lived from 1640 to 1719. He was born in Verdun, France, and showed an early aptitude for music. His father was a musician, and André began his musical education under his father's tutelage. He later studied with the organist Nicolas Lebègue in Paris. Raison's career as a musician began in earnest when he was appointed organist at the Church of Saint-Jean-en-Grève in Paris in 1660. He held this position for 20 years, during which time he became known for his virtuosic organ playing and his skill as a composer. In 1680, he was appointed organist at the Church of Sainte-Madeleine, a position he held until his death. Raison's compositions are primarily for the organ, and he is considered one of the most important French organ composers of the Baroque era. His works are characterized by their virtuosity and their use of complex counterpoint. He was also known for his use of ornamentation, which he used to great effect in his compositions. One of Raison's most famous works is his Livre d'orgue, a collection of organ pieces that was published in 1688. The collection contains 12 pieces, each of which is based on a different liturgical theme. The Livre d'orgue is considered one of the most important collections of French Baroque organ music, and it has been widely performed and recorded. Another notable work by Raison is his Messe du deuxième ton, a setting of the Mass for the second tone. The work is scored for organ and choir, and it is notable for its use of complex counterpoint and its virtuosic organ writing. The Messe du deuxième ton is considered one of Raison's most important works, and it has been widely performed and recorded. In addition to his work as a composer, Raison was also known for his skill as an organ builder. He built several organs during his lifetime, including one for the Church of Sainte-Madeleine in Paris. He was also known for his skill as an improviser, and he was often called upon to improvise during church services and other musical events. Raison's influence on French Baroque music cannot be overstated. His virtuosic organ writing and his use of complex counterpoint were highly influential on later composers, including Jean-Philippe Rameau and François Couperin. His works continue to be performed and recorded today, and they are considered an important part of the French Baroque repertoire. In conclusion, André Raison was a highly influential French Baroque composer and organist. His virtuosic organ writing and his use of complex counterpoint were highly influential on later composers, and his works continue to be performed and recorded today. His Livre d'orgue and Messe du deuxième ton are considered some of his most important works, and they are an important part of the French Baroque repertoire. Raison's legacy as a composer and organist continues to be felt today, and he remains an important figure in the history of classical music.

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