Born:
Born around 1400
Birthplace:
Cambrai, France
Died:
November 27, 1474 in Cambrai, France
Also known as:
French composer of the 15th century.
Type of Compositions:
He wrote church and secular music. Some of his early works are ballads, while his later works comprised of virelais.
Influence:
One of his early influences was Nicolas Malin, master of the choirboys at the Cambrai Cathedral where Dufay spent his youth as a choirboy. Around 1420, he entered the service of Carlo Malatesta of Rimini, In 1426, he became a canon of Cambrai and then 2 years later, joined the papal singers. He served the Duke of Savoy for 7 years and afterward, supervised the music for the Cambrai cathedral. Around 1445, he pursued a degree in canon law and a year later, became a canon of Mons.
Musical Work:
Among his works are 7 complete masses, 35 mass sections, 59 French chansons, 7 Italian chansons and 87 motets.
Interesting Fact:
Upon Dufays' request, some of his liturgical works were played at his funeral. Among these are his "Missa de requiem" and Ave Regina celorum.
