Martin: Motets for One and Two Voices with Instruments

Martin was known primarily as a performer on the cello and as a symphonist. His three petits motets, written in between 1751 and 1752, are attractive works combining Martin's Italianate melodic writing with bold harmonies and expressive accompanied recitatives. Martin's innovative use of woodwinds was often compared with Rameau's—one of the petits motets was even attributed to Rameau until 1977. Two of the works in the present collection have been edited from newly identified autograph manuscripts. These motets, which may be performed with a small or a large chamber ensemble, are a welcome addition to the vocal solo and duet literature.

Laetentur coeli

Inclina Domine

Notum fecit Dominus

Robert M Cammarota, Notes, December 1992; James R. Anthony, Music & Letters, May 1990; Norbert Dufourcq, Researches in French Classical Music, 1991-92; Georgie Durosoir, Revue de Musicologie, 1989