Martin, François
Martin, François
Martin, François, significant French cellist and composer; b. 1727; d. Paris, 1757. He became well known as a cellist and composer in Paris, and appeared at the Concert Spirituel (1747). He was an ordinaire de I’Académie Royale de Musique (1746–48), and also taught. He was granted several royal privileges to publ, his music. His place in French music rests primarily upon his syms. and overtures, which were some of the finest works of their kind written in the pre-Classical period. They were featured at the Concert Spirituel (1751–55). His motets were also performed there, including his notable Cantate Domino. His early death was greatly lamented.
Works
instrumental (all publ, in Paris): 6 sonates for Cello, with duo for Violin and Cello, op.2 (1746); 6 trios ou Conversations à 3 for 2 Violins, or Flute and Cello, op.3 (1746); Sonate da camera for Cello and Basso Continuo, op.l (1748); (6) Symphonies et ouvertures for 2 Violins, Viola, and Bass, op.4 (1751); Symphonie à cors de chasse (Concert Spirituel, June 10, 1751); various other works, including a Cello Concerto (Concert Spirituel, April 1747). vocal: secular: Le? Bouquet de Thémire, cantatille (La Planchette, July 28, 1745); Le Soupçon amoureux, cantatille (1747); Le Suisse amoureux, cantatille (1747); several other works. sacred:Grand Motets For Chorus and Instruments(all perf. at the Concert Spirituel):Laeta-tus sum (April 3, 1747); In exitu (April 19, 1748); Cantate Domino (May 7, 1750); Jubilate Deo (April 24, 1753). Petits Motets (all 1st perf. at the Concert Spirituel):Laetentur coeli (Feb. 2, 1751); Inclina Domine (Nov. 1, 1751). motets:Notum fecit dominus (1752); Super flumina Babilonis (n.d.).
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire