Josquin des Prez, often simply referred to as Josquin, was a composer who is widely considered one of the most significant and influential figures of the Renaissance music period. Born around the mid-15th century in the area that comprises present-day Belgium or France, Josquin's life and works bridged the transition between the medieval period and the Renaissance. He served in various chapels and courts across Europe, including Italy, where he worked for the influential Sforza family and the Papal Chapel.

While exact dates and specifics of Josquin's life remain somewhat elusive due to the scarcity of surviving contemporary documentation, his musical output is extensively celebrated, with him achieving fame in his own lifetime that extended well beyond his death in 1521. Josquin mastered the polyphonic style of his time, and his music exhibits a combination of technical prowess and expressive depth. He composed in a variety of musical forms, but he is particularly renowned for his masses, motets, and chansons. His works, such as "Missa Malheur me bat" and "Baisiez moy," remain touchstones of choral repertoires, exhibiting a mastery of counterpoint and an innovative approach to melody and structure. Josquin's legacy inspired generations of composers, and his influence was such that works by lesser-known composers were sometimes attributed to him to increase their popularity, underscoring the enduring reverence for his genius in the realm of music.

Genres

Classical

Early Music

Franco-flemish School

Renaissance

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Latest Release

Obrecht: Scaramella

The Binchois Consort•

Josquin des Prez•

Andrew Kirkman•

Jacob Obrecht

Album - 24 Tracks - Released August 30, 2024