Gaspard Corrette

Full biography Gaspard Corrette

Gaspard Corrette was a French composer and organist who lived during the Baroque era. He was born in 1671 in Rouen, France, and was the son of the famous organist Michel Corrette. He was also the younger brother of the organist and composer, César Franck.

Gaspard Corrette started his musical career as a choirboy at the Rouen Cathedral. He later became the organist of the Saint-Vivien church in the same city. In 1703, he moved to Rouen and became the organist of the Saint-Godard church. It was during this time that he rose to fame for his exceptional skills in improvisation and composition.

Corrette published his first major work in 1701, a collection of organ pieces titled "La Méthode du Clavecin." This collection featured a range of works, including preludes, fugues, chaconnes, and other forms of keyboard music. In 1705, he published another notable collection titled "Livre d'Orgue," which consisted of ten suites for the organ.

Corrette's music was characterized by its brightness and clarity, as well as its intricate counterpoint and ornamentation. His music was also heavily influenced by the Italian Baroque style, which was characterized by its grandeur and emotion.

In addition to his work as a composer, Corrette was also known for his teaching. He wrote several music instruction books, including "L'Art de se perfectionner sur le Clavecin" and "Nouvelle méthode pour apprendre la Musique." These books were widely used in music schools and conservatories throughout Europe.

Despite his musical achievements, relatively little is known about Corrette's personal life, and he died in relative obscurity in Rouen in 1733. However, his contributions to the world of music were significant, and his compositions continue to be studied and performed by musicians around the world.