Andre Raison

Full biography Andre Raison

André Raison (c. 1640 – 1719) was a French Baroque composer and organist. He is primarily known for his organ works, which were highly influential in the development of the French Baroque style. Raison's music is characterized by its virtuosity, daring harmonies, and use of ornamentation.

Raison was born in the town of Mons in Hainaut, which was then part of the Spanish Netherlands. He studied music with some of the most prominent composers and organists of his day, including Nicolas Lebègue and Louis Marchand. In 1687 or 1688, Raison published his Premier livre d'orgue, a collection of works for the organ that established his reputation as a composer.

Raison's music is notable for its use of the French style of ornamentation known as agréments. His works are also known for their frequent use of fugues, which were a popular form of musical composition during the Baroque era. Raison's organ music is still performed and recorded today, and is highly regarded by scholars and musicians alike.

In addition to his work as a composer, Raison was also a well-respected organist. He held a number of prestigious positions throughout his career, including appointments at the Church of Saint-Gervais in Paris, the Royal Chapel in Versailles, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris. Raison's music was also highly regarded by his contemporaries, including the famous composer and organist Johann Sebastian Bach, who is known to have studied and performed Raison's works.

Despite his significant contributions to the development of the French Baroque style, Raison's music remains less well-known than the works of some of his contemporaries. Nevertheless, his music is a testament to the skill and creativity of one of the most important composers of the Baroque era.