Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Netherlands

Birth

:

ca. 1450

Death

:

ca. 1515

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Matthaeus Pipelare was a Flemish composer of the Renaissance period, born in the early 1450s in the town of Hainaut, which is now part of modern-day Belgium. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education in the Low Countries, which was a hub of musical activity during the Renaissance. Pipelare's career as a composer began in the late 1470s, when he was appointed as a singer at the court of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. This was a prestigious position, and it allowed Pipelare to work alongside some of the most talented musicians of his time. During his time at the court, Pipelare composed a number of works, including motets, chansons, and instrumental pieces. One of Pipelare's most famous works is his Missa L'homme armé, which is a setting of the popular secular tune of the same name. This mass was likely composed in the late 1470s or early 1480s, and it is notable for its use of complex polyphony and intricate rhythms. The mass was widely popular during Pipelare's lifetime, and it was performed in churches and cathedrals throughout Europe. In addition to his sacred music, Pipelare also composed a number of secular works, including chansons and instrumental pieces. One of his most famous chansons is "Mort, tu as navré de ton dart", which is a lament for the death of Charles the Bold. This chanson is notable for its use of chromaticism and its expressive text setting. Pipelare's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. His works were widely performed and admired, and he was known for his innovative use of harmony and rhythm. Despite his success, however, Pipelare's life was not without its challenges. He lived during a time of political upheaval, and he was forced to flee from the court of Charles the Bold when the duke was killed in battle in 1477. Pipelare spent the rest of his life working as a musician in various cities throughout the Low Countries, including Antwerp and Bruges. Despite the challenges he faced, Pipelare continued to compose music throughout his life, and his works continued to be performed and admired long after his death. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Renaissance period, and his music continues to be studied and performed by musicians and scholars around the world.

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