Adrian Willaert, born at Rumbeke near Roeselare, …

Years: 1520 - 1520

Adrian Willaert, born at Rumbeke near Roeselare, had gone to Paris first to study law, but instead decided to study music, according to his student, the renowned sixteenth century music theorist Gioseffo Zarlino.

In Paris he had met Jean Mouton, the principal composer of the French royal chapel and stylistic compatriot of Josquin des Prez, and studied with him.

Willaert had first gone to Rome sometime around 1515.

An anecdote survives that indicates the musical ability of the young composer: Willaert was surprised to discover the choir of the papal chapel singing one of his own compositions, most likely the six-part motet Verbum bonum et suave, and even more surprised to learn that they thought it had been written by the much more famous composer Josquin.

When he informed the singers of their error—that he was in fact the composer—they refused to sing it again.

Indeed, Willaert's early style is very similar to that of Josquin, with smooth polyphony, balanced voices and frequent use of imitation.

Willaert had entered the service of Cardinal Ippolito I d'Este of Ferrara in July 1515.

Ippolito is a traveler, and Willaert likely accompanies him to various places, including Hungary, where he likely resides from 1517 to 1519.

When Ippolito dies in 1520, Willaert enters the service of Duke Alfonso of Ferrara.

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