Alexander Agricola

Alexander Agricola was a renowned Netherlandish composer of the Renaissance, born around 1446 as Alexander Ackerman. He is celebrated for his contributions to the Franco-Flemish style, which was a dominant musical tradition during his time. Agricola was a prominent member of the *Grande chapelle*, the Habsburg musical establishment, and his music was widely distributed across Europe. Throughout his career, he held various positions in Italy, France, and the Low Countries, although there are periods where his activities are not well-documented. His compositional style is notable for its complexity and innovation, often featuring intricate counterpoint and rhythmic manipulation. Agricola's music includes both sacred and secular works, and he is remembered for his distinctive and sometimes unconventional approach to composition.

Agricola's rise to fame occurred in the 1490s, with his instrumental variations on secular songs gaining significant popularity. His compositions often employed dense counterpoint and complex rhythmic structures, which were seen as innovative and sometimes perplexing by his contemporaries. Despite the gaps in his documented life, Agricola remains a significant figure in the transition from the Burgundian School to the style of composers like Josquin des Prez. He passed away on August 15, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain, during a plague outbreak. His legacy includes a wide range of musical pieces, many of which have been arranged and performed over the centuries, including the famous motet *Si dedero*.

Genres

Medieval

Latest Release

A. Agricola: Fortuna desperata

Alexander Agricola

Single - Released June 7, 2024