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Guilielmus Messaus was a Belgian composer who lived from 1589 to 1640. He was born in the town of Antwerp, which was then part of the Spanish Netherlands. Messaus was the son of a musician, and he grew up in a musical family. His father was a singer and a lutenist, and his mother was a singer as well. Messaus began his musical education at a young age, and he showed great talent as a composer and performer. Messaus studied music at the Collegium Musicum in Antwerp, which was a school for musicians. He learned to play several instruments, including the lute, the viola da gamba, and the organ. He also studied composition with some of the leading composers of the time, including Peter Philips and Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. Messaus began his career as a musician in Antwerp, where he worked as a singer and a lutenist. He also composed music for the church, including masses, motets, and hymns. In 1611, he was appointed as the organist at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, which was one of the most prestigious musical positions in the city. Messaus continued to compose music throughout his career, and he wrote music in a variety of genres. He composed sacred music for the church, as well as secular music for the court and for private patrons. His music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. One of Messaus's most famous works is his Missa super Ave Regina caelorum, which is a mass based on the Marian antiphon Ave Regina caelorum. The mass is written for four voices, and it features intricate polyphonic textures and rich harmonies. The work is considered one of the finest examples of the Flemish polyphonic style, which was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. Messaus also wrote several motets, which are sacred choral works that are typically sung in Latin. One of his most famous motets is his Ave Maria, which is a setting of the Hail Mary prayer. The motet is written for four voices, and it features a beautiful melody and rich harmonies. In addition to his sacred music, Messaus also wrote several secular works, including songs and instrumental music. One of his most famous instrumental works is his Fantasia in D minor for viola da gamba and continuo. The piece is written in a virtuosic style, and it features complex rhythms and intricate ornamentation. Messaus's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and it continued to be performed and admired in the centuries that followed. His music was particularly influential in the development of the Baroque style, which emerged in the 17th century. Many of his works were published in collections, which helped to spread his music throughout Europe. Despite his success as a composer, Messaus's life was not without its challenges. He lived during a time of political and religious turmoil, and his hometown of Antwerp was frequently caught up in these conflicts. In 1585, Antwerp was captured by the Spanish army, and it remained under Spanish control for much of Messaus's life. This meant that he had to navigate the complex political and religious landscape of the time, and he had to be careful not to offend those in power. Despite these challenges, Messaus continued to compose music throughout his life, and he left behind a rich legacy of works that continue to be admired and performed today. His music is known for its intricate polyphonic textures, rich harmonies, and virtuosic instrumental writing.

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