Jean Mouton was a significant French composer of the Renaissance, renowned for his complex polyphonic motets and other sacred compositions. Born around 1459, Mouton served in various prestigious chapel positions, including as a singer in the collegiate church of Saint-André in Grenoble and later as maître de chapelle at the court of Queen Anne of Brittany. He gained great recognition and rose through the ranks to become the principal composer for King Louis XII and continued under his successor, François I.

Mouton's music often features smoothly flowing melodies, elegant imitative counterpoint, and a clear tonal structure that was innovative for his time. He was widely known for his motet "Nesciens Mater," which displays his mastery in the canon technique. His influence extended across Europe, with contemporaries and later composers drawing inspiration from his works. Mouton composed for various liturgical occasions, and many of his motets celebrate specific events or patrons, such as "Anna requiescat in pace," a piece commemorating the death of Anne of Brittany. His output, though not as large as some of his contemporaries, firmly positions him among the most important and skilled composers of his era, leaving a lasting impact on the trajectory of sacred music.

Genres

French Renaissance

Renaissance

Latest Release

Mouton: Missa Faulte d'argent & Motets

Jean Mouton•

The Brabant Ensemble

Album - 32 Tracks - Released July 1, 2022