Henri Desmarets (February 17, 1661 – February 7, 1741) was a distinguished French composer of the Baroque era, whose career spanned the late 17th and early 18th centuries. A contemporary of Jean-Baptiste Lully, Desmarets was a significant figure in the development of French opera and a master of the grand motet, a form of sacred choral music. Born in Paris into a family of modest means, he displayed remarkable musical talent from a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of the court's musical establishment.

Desmarets' compositions are emblematic of the opulent French Baroque style, characterized by their rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive text settings. He served as maître de musique (music master) at several prominent French cathedrals and enjoyed the patronage of influential figures, including King Louis XIV. His operatic works include "Circé," a tragic opera that exemplifies his flair for dramatic narrative and vivid orchestration. His sacred compositions, like "Vénus & Adonis" and "La Diane de Fontainebleau," demonstrate his skill in the grand motet form, while his "Messe à deux choeurs et deux orchestres" is an ambitious showcase of his choral and orchestral writing. "Desmarest: Quatre, Motets & Lorrains" and the latter collections of his grand motets reveal a profound grasp of liturgical nuances, further cementing his legacy as one of the essential composers of sacred music in his era. Despite facing personal adversities and even a scandalous love affair that forced him to flee France, Desmarets' musical contributions continued to be celebrated, as evidenced by the enduring interest in his works.

Genres

Baroque

French Baroque

Latest Release

Desmarest: Circé

Henri Desmarets•

Paul O'Dette•

Aaron Sheehan•

Amanda Forsythe

Album - 110 Tracks - Released May 31, 2023