Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Belgium

Birth

:

ca. 1445 in Liège, Belgium

Death

:

October 3, 1487 in Florence, Italy

 

Johannes de Stokem was a prominent composer of the late medieval period, born in the early 14th century in the town of Stokem, located in the present-day Netherlands. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education in the nearby city of Utrecht, which was a center of musical activity at the time. De Stokem's career as a composer began in the mid-14th century, when he was appointed as a musician at the court of the Duke of Brabant, located in what is now Belgium. It was during this time that he began to compose music in the Ars Nova style, which was characterized by complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as the use of isorhythm, a technique in which a repeating rhythmic pattern is used throughout a piece. One of de Stokem's most famous works is his Missa L'homme armé, a mass based on the popular secular tune of the same name. The mass is notable for its use of the isorhythmic technique, as well as its complex harmonies and rhythms. It was widely performed throughout Europe during the late medieval period and remains a popular piece in the modern era. In addition to his sacred music, de Stokem also composed a number of secular works, including chansons and ballades. One of his most famous secular works is his chanson "Flos florum," which was widely performed throughout Europe during the late medieval period. De Stokem's music was highly regarded during his lifetime and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. His influence can be seen in the work of later composers, including Guillaume Dufay and Josquin des Prez. Despite his prominence during his lifetime, de Stokem's music fell out of favor in the centuries following his death. It was not until the 20th century that his music began to be rediscovered and performed again. Today, he is recognized as one of the most important composers of the late medieval period and his music continues to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world.

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