Born:
Believed to be born in 1410
Birthplace:
Ghislain, Belgium
Died:
February 6, 1497, probably in Tours, France
Also known as:
He was a Flemish singer, teacher, one of the most influential composers of the Early Renaissance and one of the fathers of Renaissance music. As a singer, he served at Antwerp Cathedral from 1443 to 1444 and the chapel of Charles, Duke of Bourbon, from 1446 to 1448.
Type of Compositions:
He wrote motets, masses and secular chansons.
Musical Work:
Some of his major works are 14 masses including Missa Quinti Toni, Missa l'homme armé, and Missa prolationum; 10 motets, 20 chansons, 1 canon and other ensemble pieces.
Interesting Facts:
As chaplain and composer, Ockeghem served three French kings: Charles VII, Louis XI, and Charles VIII. He was also a treasurer of the Abbey of Saint-Martin at Tours. At the time of his death, a poem by Jean Molinet was set to music by Josquin des Prez in honor of Ockeghem.
