Charles Joseph van Helmont

Helmont composed numerous masses, motets, other sacred works and pieces for the harpsichord as well as pieces for the orchestra. He studied with Brehy and became an organist at Ste Gudule in Brussels. In 1737 he was choirmaster of the church of Notre Dame and in 1741 returned to Ste Gudule. His music was sacred and the motet was set for four voives and instruments with an occasional vocal soloist. Other qualities of the motets included organ continuo, solo recitatives, arias, duos, choruses, highly decorated melodies and rhythms that were ambitious. Having been influenced by Rameau Helmont's harpsichord music, "Pieces de clavecin," included rondo forms, and possible minuets, gavottes and gigues. His organ fugues were also flavored by French tastes. ~ Keith Johnson