François Martin

Martin was an excellent cellist who may have been a student of Berteau. In 1746 he published six sonatas and six trios for the cello. The cello dominated the pieces, and the compositions, surprisingly, did not contain a continuo part (hence the cellos prominence). Many of his works were performed for the Concert Spirituel during the years between 1747 and 1754. Though his instrument and love was the cello Martin made his greatest contribution in the realm of the symphonie. They too were often performed at the Concert Spirituel. He was ahead of his time in that he was composing symphonies that were in three movements with ABA thematic devices. With a bold sense of chromaticism Martin also embodied in his music, a profound sense for minor keys. Some motets composed by Martin included diverse combinations of soloists, chorus and orchestra. ~ Keith Johnson