Raison, André (EN)

Raison André, *before 1650 Meaux (?), †1719 Paris, French organist and composer. After graduating from the Sainte-Geneviève seminary in Nanterre, he moved to Paris, where he was organist at the Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève from 1665 to 1716, and from 1687 also at the monastery of St. James. He was one of the highest-paid organists in Paris and was the teacher of L.N. Clérambault, who dedicated his Premier livre d’orgue to him.

Raison’s two organ books occupy an important place in the history of French music. They remain clearly influenced by secular stylistics, although they contain repertoire played during monastery services. Book 1 consists of organ verses, fugues, grands jeux, duets, trios, and récits performed during the magnificat and mass. None of these compositions are based on a Gregorian cantus firmus, but dance-like motifs are often used. The passacaglia theme from the “Christe” of the Deuxième ton mass served as the basis for Bach’s Passacaglia in C minor, BWV 582. The book is preceded by an introduction addressed to organists, which contains valuable comments on fingering, registration, ornamentation, and notes inégales. Book 2 contains preludes, fugues, variations based on Christmas carols, allemandes, an overture, the Offertory setting, and the piece Da pacem with an elaborate fugue, commemorating the 1713 Peace of Utrecht.

Raison’s works are characterized by virtuoso texture and colorful use of registers. The pedal basse de trompette theme in the first Kyrie from the Premier ton mass in Book 1 testifies to the composer’s considerable performing skills. The use of rapid repetitions of notes, elaborate ornamentation, and lively dance rhythms reveals the influence of harpsichord music.

Literature: N. Dufourcq La musique d’orgue française de J. Titelouze à J. Alain, Paris 1941, 21949; W. Apel Geschichte der Orgel- und Klaviermusik bis 1700, Kassel 1967, English expanded ed. H. Tischler, Bloomington 1972; X. Darasse Les enseignements d’André Raison in: L’interprétation de la musique française aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles: Colloques internationaux du CNRS, ed. J. Chailley, Paris 1974; H.W. Gay Four French Organist-Composers, 1549–1720, Memphis 1975; E. Higginbottom Ecclesiastical Prescription and Musical Style in French Classical Organ Music, “Organ Yearbook” XII, 1981; H.J. Butler The Teachings of André Raison American Organist” XXIV, 1990; D. Ponsford, L. Sawkins French organ music in the reign of Louis XIV, “Early Music” XL, 2012; N. Cockburn The music of André Raison (c. 1650–1719), “Organists’ review” CV, 2019; Y.-G. Préfontaine André Raison, “Mixtures: Bulletin de liaison de la Fédération Québécoise des Amis de l’Orgue” L, 2019.