Born:
c. 1300
Birthplace:
Machaut, France
Died:
1377 in Reims, France
Also known as:
An avant garde composer, poet and most known representative of the Ars Nova tradition. He was respected, not only in his native country, but also in Italy, Spain and other parts of Europe.
Type of Compositions:
He wrote sacred and secular polyphonic music.
Selected Works:
Among his works are 42 ballads, 33 virelais, 21 rondeaux, 19 lais, 1 complainte, 1 chanson royale, 23 motets; most known of which is "Messe de Nostre Dame" and a hocket titled "David."
Interesting Facts:
He was the secretary and chaplain of John of Luxemburg, King of Bohemia. By 1337, he was appointed as canon of Reims cathedral. When John of Luxemburg died, he served the wife of the future King John II of France and then Charles II, King of Navarre in 1349. It is said that he influenced the poetry of English poet Geoffrey Chaucer.
