Baldassare Donato

Full biography Baldassare Donato

Baldassare Donato was an Italian composer who lived during the Renaissance period. He was born in Bergamo around 1525 and spent most of his musical career in Venice. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he received his early musical training in Bergamo.

Donato was famous during his time for his compositions for a four-voice madrigal. These compositions were widely popular at the time, and Donato's works stood out among others because of his unique approach to harmony and counterpoint. His madrigals were often set to poems by some of the most famous poets of his time, including Petrarch.

Donato moved to Venice in the mid-1550s, where he worked as a musician at the St. Mark's Basilica. During this time, he produced some of his most famous works, including "O chiome d'oro" and "Gioite voi col canto."

Donato was also a prolific composer of sacred music, and he composed several masses and motets that were widely performed during his time. His compositions were characterized by a clear and simple style, harmonious melodies, and clear-cut phrases.

Despite his popularity during his time, Donato's music fell into obscurity in the years following his death. However, his works were rediscovered during the 20th century, and today, he is recognized as one of the foremost composers of the Venetian madrigal and a significant contributor to the music of the Renaissance period.