The son of a painter, Francesco Landini lost his sight as a child and turned his attention to music. Born either at Fiesole or in Florence, but spending his life largely in the latter city, he developed wide interests, winning a reputation as an organist, composer, poet and instrument-maker. His interest in the English philosopher William of Occam is reflected in a long poem in his praise. He seems to have spent some time in Venice and North Italy. He is recorded as organist at Santa Trinità in 1361 and from 1365 at San Lorenzo in Florence, where he was buried after his death in 1397. He is represented in a 15th-century manuscript and on his gravestone playing the portable organetto, an instrument with which he was particularly associated.

Vocal Music
Landini’s 154 surviving compositions consist of ballate and madrigals for two or three voices.