Composed: ca. 1735
Duration: 10 minutes

Not much is known about French composer and organist Michel Corrette’s early life. For several years, he earned a living as a music teacher while also composing several sonatas for a variety of instruments, including the violin and flute. He was appointed the organist at the Church of Sainte Marie du Temple in Paris in 1737 and held that appointment for 54 years. Over his lifetime, he not only played and taught the organ, he also composed many works, including chamber music, cantatas, concertos, and ballets. His “Le Phénix” Concerto was composed for four bass instruments, performed today with two bassoons, a cello, and a bass.