Georg Muffat (1653–1704) was a Baroque composer of considerable renown, whose work played a crucial role in blending the stylistic qualities of French and Italian music of his time. Born in Savoy (now part of France), Muffat traveled extensively across Europe, absorbing different musical styles and traditions. His journeys included significant periods in Paris and Rome, where he studied under Jean-Baptiste Lully and Arcangelo Corelli, respectively. These experiences profoundly influenced his compositions, allowing him to merge the grandiose French orchestral style with the expressive Italian approach to melody and harmony.

Muffat's oeuvre spans a range of musical forms, including church music, keyboard works, and instrumental compositions. Among his most celebrated contributions to the Baroque repertoire are the "Armonico Tributo" (1682), a collection of five sonatas for strings that exemplify the fusion of French and Italian styles, and the "Apparatus musico-organisticus" (1690), which includes twelve toccatas for organ showcasing his mastery of keyboard music. His "Florilegium" series, comprising two collections of orchestral suites, further demonstrates his adeptness at crafting vibrant and varied instrumental textures. Muffat’s music, characterized by its refinement and contrapuntal intricacy, not only enriched the Baroque era but also paved the way for future generations of composers to explore the blending of national styles.

Genres

Baroque

German Baroque

Latest Release

Muffat: Missa in labore requies

Georg Muffat•

Damien Guillon

Album - 29 Tracks - Released October 20, 2023