Room 93--An obscure but talented composer of the Renaissance

Nicholas Gombert (1495-1560) was one of the greatest composers of his time, the period between Josquin des Prez and Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina. He studied briefly with Josquin around 1521. Eventually he was employed by Charles Vs a composer and also a singer. In cpite of his talents he was never given the title of court composer.

He had a tendency to write works for large vocal ensembles of 8, 10 and 12 voices In 1540, his name disappears from church records because of some unseemly activities. He was pardoned around 1547. From there, he faded into obscurity. We will present one of his finest compositions which is a lament upon the death of Josquin, titled Musae Jovis. This work is for 6 voices.

Listen!

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