Michel Corrette 1707 – 1795

Biography

Michel Corrette was born on April 10, 1707, in Rouen, France, during a golden age of French musical development. He devoted his life to the twin pursuits of performance and composition, establishing himself as a skilled organist whose technical mastery and artistic sensibility earned him recognition throughout his career. His work reflected the rich musical traditions of eighteenth-century France, a period when the organ held a central place in both sacred and concert life.

Over the course of his long life, Corrette contributed significantly to the musical repertoire of his era through both his performances at the keyboard and his compositions. His dedication to his craft sustained him through nearly nine decades, allowing him to witness and participate in the evolution of French musical taste and practice during a transformative period in European history.

Corrette passed away on January 21, 1795, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy rooted in the musical traditions of the Enlightenment. His life spanned nearly the full century, encompassing decades of artistic contribution to French cultural life.