Composers/Musicians of the Middle Ages

1. Gilles Binchois

Composer who was also a soldier; believed to have been employed by the Earl of Suffolk during the English occupation of France.

2. Guido de Arezzo

During the Medieval period, two inventions were made that would greatly help choirs to sing in harmony and to sight-sing. These inventions were created by a monk and choirmaster named Guido de Arezzo.

3. Moniot d'Arras

Composer who also served in the Abbey of Northern France as a monk.

4. Guillaume de Machaut

Composer who was also the secretary of John of Luxemburg, King of Bohemia.

5. John Dunstable

Composer believed to be one of the first to use counterpoint.

6. Perotinus Magister

It is quite difficult to find information about composers who lived during the Medieval Period, but one name stands out when we think of composers of this time. Learn a little bit more about Perotin, believed to be the one who introduced four-part polyphony.

7. Leonel Power

Composer who was one of the major figures in English music.

8. Hildegard von Bingen

Her name remains prominent on the list of Medieval composers. Hildegard von Bingen wrote what is considered the first musical drama in history entitled "The Ritual of the Virtues."