Nicolas Gombert was a Renaissance composer, born in the early part of the 16th century in the region of present-day Belgium. Not much is known about his early life, but by the 1520s, Gombert had become a prominent member of the musical establishment, eventually securing a position at the court of Emperor Charles V as a singer and composer. Known for his dense and complex polyphonic style, Gombert's music represents the culmination of the Franco-Flemish compositional techniques of the time and serves as a bridge into the later, more expressive mannerisms of the High Renaissance.

Gombert's contributions to the motet and Mass are particularly significant, and his works are often recognized for their rich textural interweaving and fluid imitation, characteristics that would influence generations of composers to come. He wrote a significant number of motets, chansons, and at least ten Masses, though his exact output remains somewhat unclear due to the common practice of the period of attributing pieces to the most famous composer of the day. After an unfortunate scandal that led to his incarceration, Gombert was eventually pardoned by the Emperor and retired as a canon, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most revered and studied composers of the Renaissance. Though he may not enjoy household recognition today, Gombert's contributions to choral repertoire remain a significant subject for scholarly examination and possess an enduring influence on the tradition of Western sacred music.

Genres

Early Music

Franco-flemish School

Renaissance

Latest Release

Lugebat David Absalon

Nicolas Gombert

Single - Released October 13, 2023