Charles-Joseph van Helmont
Charles-Joseph van Helmont (* around March 19, 1715 in Brussels ; † June 8, 1790 there ) was a Flemish church musician and composer .
Van Helmont received his training from Hercule-Pierre Brehy (1673–1737) at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula (Brussels) . At the age of 18 he succeeded Josse Boutmy as organist . In 1737 he was cantor at the court church Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle ( "Kapellekerk" ) of the governor of the Netherlands, Archduchess Maria Elisabeth , until her death in 1741. After the death of Joseph-Hector Fiocco , van Helmont returned to the Cathedral back. He was there in his office until 1777, when he passed it on to his son Adrien-Joseph van Helmont (1747-1830).
He composed numerous sacred and secular works. These include an oratorio Judith , an opera Grisélidis and, for Holy Week, Les neuf Leçons de la Semaine Sainte for figured bass and soprano. His style is based on that of his Italian contemporaries, his Piéces de Clavecin are considered to be influenced by Jean-Philippe Rameau . There are a total of 525 manuscripts by van Helmont in the library of the Brussels Conservatory.
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Helmont, Charles-Joseph van |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Belgian composer and organist |
| DATE OF BIRTH | March 19, 1715 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Brussels |
| DATE OF DEATH | June 8, 1790 |
| Place of death | Brussels |