Helmont, Charles-Joseph van

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Helmont, Charles-Joseph van

Helmont, Charles-Joseph van, South Netherlands organist and composer; b. Brussels, March 19, 1715; d. there, June 8, 1790. He was a pupil of Pierre Bréhy at the collegiate church of Ste. Gudule in Brussels, where he was made titular organist in 1733. After serving as choirmaster at the parish church of Notre Dame de la Chapelle (1737–41), he returned to Ste. Gudule in that capacity (1741–77). He wrote much sacred music, including masses, motets, Magnificats, and litanies. Among his secular works were an opera, a divertissement, Pieces de clavecin (Brussels, 1737), and 6 organ fugues. His son, Adrien-Joseph van Helmont (b. Brussels, Aug. 13, 1747; d. there, Dec. 28, 1830), a composer and teacher, was choirmaster at Ste. Gudule (1777-94; 1802-18). He composed sacred music and an opéra-comique.

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire