Edouard Chantal

Edouard Chantal was a 16th and 17th century composer best known for his typically Renaissance compositions and his pioneering of the Baroque style. He was born in Lyon, France in 1572 to a notary father, Henry, and an unknown mother. His received no formal MusicAL training and learned how to play the organ under the instruction of his priest. Most of his early work consisted of choral pieces, one of which was later performed in the Vatican February 14, 1621 for Gregory XV's Papal ascension.

His most famous religious works include:

• "Ave Maria en Si bémol" (Ave Maria in Si minor)
• "Laude à Jésus" (Laude to Jesus)
• "La Masse de Dieu" (God's Mass)

Edouard Chantal was one of the early pioneers of the Baroque style. Chantal's most widely circulated works are his toccatas.

These include:

• "Toccata en Ré Majeur" (Toccata in Ré Major)
• "Caprice en Do Majeur" (Caprice in Do Major)

His life remains obscure because there are very little written records of his life. All that is known comes from the writings of Marianne DeVal, his lover. He moved to Switzerland with Marianne around 1629 to escape Royal censure, because his music had taken a drastically secular tone. He died around 1630 and of unknown causes.

References

"Compositeurs Français Notables" by Vanlac, Jean edited and published by Gallimard in 1957