Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

April 10, 1707 in Rouen, France

Death

:

January 22, 1795 in Paris, France

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

Michel Corrette was a French composer, organist, and music teacher who lived from 1707 to 1795. He was born in Rouen, France, to a family of musicians. His father, Gaspard Corrette, was an organist and composer, and his mother, Marie-Anne Ballard, was a singer. Michel Corrette showed an early talent for music and began studying the organ and harpsichord with his father at a young age. In 1726, at the age of 19, Michel Corrette moved to Paris to study music with the famous composer and organist Louis-Nicolas Clérambault. He also studied with other prominent musicians of the time, including Jean-Philippe Rameau and François Couperin. During this time, Corrette began to establish himself as a composer and performer, and he became known for his virtuosic organ playing. In 1730, Corrette was appointed as the organist at the church of Saint-Roch in Paris, a position he held for over 20 years. He also began teaching music, and his students included the future composer André Grétry. Corrette was a prolific composer, and he wrote music in a variety of genres, including chamber music, vocal music, and instrumental music. One of Corrette's most famous works is his "Organ Concertos," a set of six concertos for organ and orchestra. These works showcase Corrette's virtuosic organ playing and his skill as a composer. The concertos are written in the Italian style, with fast-paced movements and intricate ornamentation. They were highly influential in the development of the organ concerto genre, and they remain popular with organists and audiences today. Corrette also wrote a number of works for chamber ensembles, including his "Les Délices de la Solitude," a collection of six sonatas for violin and basso continuo. These works are notable for their expressive melodies and intricate counterpoint. Corrette's vocal music includes a number of cantatas and motets, as well as his "Leçons de Ténèbres," a set of lamentations for Holy Week. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Corrette was also a music teacher. He wrote a number of instructional books on music theory and performance, including his "Méthode pour apprendre à jouer de la flûte traversière," a method for learning to play the flute. Corrette was known for his innovative teaching methods, and his books were widely used by music students throughout Europe. Despite his success as a composer and teacher, Corrette faced financial difficulties throughout his life. He was often forced to rely on the patronage of wealthy individuals to support his work, and he struggled to make ends meet. In 1773, he was forced to sell his extensive music library to pay off his debts. Michel Corrette died in Paris in 1795, at the age of 88. He left behind a legacy as a talented composer, performer, and teacher, and his music continues to be performed and studied today. His works are notable for their virtuosity, expressiveness, and innovative use of musical forms and techniques.

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