Carillon des Morts

Jean-Jacques Beauvarlet-Charpentier (28 June 1734 – 6 May 1794) was a celebrated French organist and composer.

He was born in Abbeville. From 1763, he was a member of the Académie des Beaux Arts de Lyon (now École des Beaux-Arts). Then, from 1783 to 1793, he was organist at the Notre Dame de Paris.

Beauvarlet-Charpentier composed sonatas for keyboard and violin and numerous pieces for organ. He died in Paris.

His son Jacques-Marie (1766–1834) was also an organist and composer.

"Carillon des Morts" comes from a collection, "Douze noëls varies pour l'orgue," which is dated "Paris (v. 1775)." It is dedicated: "A Melle. La Comtesse d'Arundell".

"Carillon des Morts" is the last piece in the collection.

It has been the custom to "ring" the church bells to commemorate the departed after the singing of Magnificat at Vespers on All Saint's Day, November 1st. In this case, the organ "substitutes" for the bells.

The work begins with a descending scale, very much in the manner of the start of a run of "change ringing" at a large church or cathedral. Soon we hear the low bourdon ring, and more and more bells are added. The speed increases, and before too long, it seems as if all the bells in the city are ringing at once! You'll have to hear it for yourself in order to judge the success of the piece. :-)

While this really is proper on the day of All Saint's, All Hallow's Eve seemed like a good time to upload this.

The score is included below, as well as an image of Jean-Jacques Charpentier.

I have special music for All Saint's Day, as well as fine and unique piece for All Soul's Day, so, I hope you will listen.