Adrian Willaert

Adrian Willaert Sheet Music

  • Born:c. 1490
  • Died: 7th December 1562
  • Birthplace: The Netherlands

Adrian Willaert was a Netherlandish composer of the Renaissance and founder of the Venetian School. He was one of the most representative members of the generation of northern composers who moved to Italy and transplanted the polyphonic Franco-Flemish style there. He was born at Rumbeke near Roeselare. According to his student, the renowned 16th century music theoristGioseffo Zarlino, Willaert went to Paris first to study law, but instead decided to study music. In Paris he met Jean Mouton, the principal composer of the French royal chapel and stylistic compatriot of Josquin des Prez, and studied with him.