Claude Goudimel was a French composer, born around 1514-1520 in Besançon and whose life ended tragically in the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572. He was one of the most prominent composers of the French Renaissance, greatly influenced by the Protestant Reformation which swept across Europe during his lifetime. Goudimel is best known for his settings of the Psalms of David, and his compositions demonstrate a deft blending of the rigorous counterpoint inherited from his predecessors with a newer, more homophonic style.

His work with the Genevan Psalter, particularly, brought him acclaim and his settings of these psalms "Les Cent Cinquante Psaumes De David" published in 1565, have been celebrated for their lyrical beauty and clarity of text setting, making them accessible to wider audiences of the time. The recent releases such as "Goudimel - Genevae Psalter (Renaissance for Steel Guitar)" and "Claude Goudimel: Songs & Psalms (Arr. for Guitar)" signify a modern reinterpretation of his works, showcasing the timeless nature of his compositions as they are adapted for contemporary instruments like the steel guitar, thus bringing his Renaissance melodies to a new generation of music lovers. His body of work also includes the notable "Goudimel : Mass, 6 Psalms," which stands alongside his Psalm settings as significant contributions to liturgical music. Despite not achieving great fame during his lifetime, Goudimel’s posthumous influence has been considerable, particularly in the realm of Protestant church music.

Genres

French Renaissance

Renaissance

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Latest Release

L'homme armé. Musique de guerre et de paix, 1450-1650

Joel Cohen•

Boston Camerata•

Andrea Gabrieli•

Claude Goudimel•

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Heinrich Schütz•

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William Byrd

Album - 16 Tracks - Released August 17, 2024