Giovanni de Macque (c. 1548/1550 – 1614) was a prominent figure in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods of music, renowned for his exceptional contributions to the Italian keyboard music landscape. Born in what is now Belgium or France, Macque spent the majority of his life and career in Italy, where he became known as a master of the innovative keyboard stylings that were flourishing during the late 16th century and early 17th century. He served in various prestigious positions, including as a musician at the vice-regal court of Naples and, later on, as the maestro di cappella at the Roman Seminary and at the court of Carlo Gesualdo in Gesualdo.

De Macque's compositions are distinguished by their intricate counterpoint and daring chromaticism, which were at the cutting edge of harmonic development during his time. His work significantly influenced the evolution of keyboard music and set the stage for the emergence of the Baroque style. Recent releases such as "Macque: Madrigali & Organ Works" and "De Macque: The Keyboard School at Gesualdo's Court" illustrate his mastery of both secular vocal music—in particular, the madrigal—and sacred instrumental music. Despite his innovative compositional techniques and the esteem in which he was held by contemporaries, Giovanni de Macque's music is less well-known today, but his contributions continue to be celebrated by early music enthusiasts and scholars for their creativity and complexity, as evidenced by performances and recordings by ensembles dedicated to historical music such as His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts.

Genres

Franco-flemish School

French Renaissance

Renaissance

Latest Release

Io piango o filli, madrigal à 5

Giovanni de Macque•

Huelgas Ensemble•

Paul Van Nevel

Single - Released July 17, 2020