Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

ca. 1587 in Saint-Nazaire-d'Aude, France

Death

:

after 1641

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

Guillaume Bouzignac was a French composer of the Baroque era, born in Saintes in 1587. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his musical education at the Cathedral of Saintes, where he served as a choirboy. He later went on to study at the University of Bordeaux, where he received a degree in music. Bouzignac's career as a composer began in the early 17th century, when he was appointed as the maître de musique at the Cathedral of Angoulême. He held this position for several years before moving on to become the maître de musique at the Cathedral of Saintes, where he remained until his death in 1643. Bouzignac's music is characterized by its use of polyphony and its incorporation of both sacred and secular elements. His compositions include motets, chansons, and other vocal works, as well as instrumental pieces. One of his most famous works is the motet "O Maria, maris stella," which is still performed today. Bouzignac's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. His works were performed in churches and courts throughout France, and he was often commissioned to compose music for special occasions. Despite his success during his lifetime, Bouzignac's music fell into obscurity after his death. It was not until the 20th century that his works began to be rediscovered and performed again. Today, Bouzignac is recognized as an important figure in the history of French Baroque music, and his works continue to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world.

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