Johannes Ockeghem was one of the most famous composers of
the Franco-Flemish School in the latter half of the 15th century,
and a notably influential figure between Guillaume Dufay and Josquin des Prez.
Besides being a distinguished composer of his time, he was also a renowned bass
singer and teacher. Like many other composers of the 15th century,
the number of Ockeghem's extant works has shrunk due to many pieces formerly
thought to be by him now being attributed to other composers. Nonetheless, his
place in history, as a particularly expressive composer and also one of
unrivaled technical skill, is secure.
Little is known of Ockeghem's early years, including his
birthplace and date of birth. It is believed he was born in Saint-Ghislain,
Belgium sometime between 1410 and 1430, with the earlier date supported by the
assumption that he may have known Gilles Binchois in Hainaut before the elder
composer moved to Lille in 1423. As with many composers of the time period, it
is assumed Ockeghem began his musical career as a chorister, though where is
also unknown. Mons, which is near Saint-Ghislain, is a likely place, though is
unsupported by any conclusive evidence.
The first record of Ockeghem's activities is from
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe cathedral in Antwerp, where he was a choir singer in June
1443, and likely was influenced by the English compositional style that held
sway over continental Europe during the latter part of the 15th
century. During 1446-48, Ockeghem served at the court of Charles I, Duke of
Bourbon in Moulins. Four years later, he was maestro di cappella in Paris to the French
court under both Charles VII and Louis XI. While in Paris, he also held posts
at Notre Dame and at St. Benoît. After the death of Louis XI in 1483, Ockeghem's
activities fall back into obscurity. It is known, however, that he went to
Bruges and Tours, and it is likely that he died in the latter town on February
6, 1497.
Johannes Ockeghem
Biography
Johannes Ockeghem was one of the most famous composers of the Franco-Flemish School in the latter half of the 15th century, and a notably influential figure between Guillaume Dufay and Josquin des Prez. Besides being a distinguished composer of his time, he was also a renowned bass singer and teacher. Like many other composers of the 15th century, the number of Ockeghem's extant works has shrunk due to many pieces formerly thought to be by him now being attributed to other composers. Nonetheless, his place in history, as a particularly expressive composer and also one of unrivaled technical skill, is secure.
Little is known of Ockeghem's early years, including his birthplace and date of birth. It is believed he was born in Saint-Ghislain, Belgium sometime between 1410 and 1430, with the earlier date supported by the assumption that he may have known Gilles Binchois in Hainaut before the elder composer moved to Lille in 1423. As with many composers of the time period, it is assumed Ockeghem began his musical career as a chorister, though where is also unknown. Mons, which is near Saint-Ghislain, is a likely place, though is unsupported by any conclusive evidence.
The first record of Ockeghem's activities is from Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe cathedral in Antwerp, where he was a choir singer in June 1443, and likely was influenced by the English compositional style that held sway over continental Europe during the latter part of the 15th century. During 1446-48, Ockeghem served at the court of Charles I, Duke of Bourbon in Moulins. Four years later, he was maestro di cappella in Paris to the French court under both Charles VII and Louis XI. While in Paris, he also held posts at Notre Dame and at St. Benoît. After the death of Louis XI in 1483, Ockeghem's activities fall back into obscurity. It is known, however, that he went to Bruges and Tours, and it is likely that he died in the latter town on February 6, 1497.