Corrette’s 1st organ book of 1737 comprised four suites, each of six movements for the Magnificat. These were arranged in four different tones or church modes, the last being specified for nuns because of the higher key. These pieces were performed alternately with the chanting of the monks in the choir. The word ‘Magnificat’ was intoned where upon the organ played the rest of the line ‘anima mea Dominum’ (My soul magnifies the Lord). The organ was effectively a voice of its own. Its intervention, therefore, substituted the text thought the monks would chant this in a low, inaudible voice until the next line.
This Basse de Trompette comes from Corrette’s 2nd organ Book which was published 13 years lated in 1750. Book 2 also comprises four suites but the series of church modes is continued. The Basse de trompette which is the 3rd movement, coincides with the line ‘et misericordia eius a progenie in progenies timentibus eum’ (And his mercy is from age to age to whose who fear him). This accompaniment of this piece is on an 8’ flute plus 4’ principal. Corrette features the Trumpet stop in both left and right hands alternatively until the last section where both hands take it.