Among the most important composers of his generation, the Flemish musician Willaert was employed at the court of the Dukes of Ferrara and from 1527 as maestro di cappella at St Mark’s in Venice, director of one of the most distinguished musical establishments of the time.

Church Music

Willaert, as might be expected, wrote a quantity of church music, Mass settings and motets, the latter of more importance, evidence of his sure command of contrapuntal technique.

Chansons and Madrigals

In addition to his Latin church music Willaert also wrote French chansons and Italian madrigals.