Jacob Obrecht

During the last two decades of the 15th century, Obrecht was the leading European composer of masses, of which he wrote around three dozen. Born in Ghent in 1457/8, he had a somewhat nomadic career: he never stayed anywhere long, didn’t always live up to his responsibilities and was constantly in search of a position that truly matched his artistic talents. He was celebrated for his musical facility, which enabled him to compose quickly and circulate his music widely. In addition to his masses, he composed motets and songs, many of which remained popular after his death in 1505. His music is outgoing and overflowing with ideas, revealing a fine ear for sonority, especially in large-scale motets like the six-part Salve Regina. His masses are varied in style, with many based on secular works by other composers, while some, like the Missa Sub Tuum Praesidium, use plainchant to create highly complex structures.