Charles-Amador Martin

Charles-Amador Martin (7 March 1648 – 19 June 1711) was a priest, singer and composer of sacred music in New France. He was the second priest to be ordained in what is now Canada,^[1][2] the first being Germain Morin. He spent most of his priesthood in or near Quebec City, where he became known for his participation in church services as a musician.

Early life

Martin was born in Quebec, the son of Abraham Martin, a river pilot in New France, and Marguerite Langlois.^[1][3] He attended Jesuit College and trained as a priest at the Séminaire de Québec at a young age.^[4][5]

Career

Martin was ordained by Bishop Laval in March 1671. His first posting was at Beauport in 1672.^[6]

Martin assisted with elections at the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec in 1673. He was a member of the Seminary of Foreign Missions at Quebec,^[1][7] where he taught for a number of years and also acted as bursar for a period. His singing ability is mentioned by Father Jérôme Lalemant at one point in his career.

He was later a Canon of the Quebec Cathedral,^[1] where he was commissioned by Bishop François de Laval to raise the musical quality of the religious ceremonies.^[8]

A number of musical compositions that have been attributed to Father Martin, including the first preserved Canadian musical composition, "Prose de Sacrae Familliae"; research has not found conclusive evidence that he is the composer.^[9][10]

See also

• Music of Canada