Cornelis Verdonck

Full biography Cornelis Verdonck

Cornelis Verdonck (1563 - 5 July 1625) was a Flemish composer of the late Renaissance period. He was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and began his musical career as a singer at the Cathedral of Our Lady in that city. Later on, he became the kapelmeester (chapel master) of several churches throughout Flanders.

Verdonck was a prolific composer, and his output includes several motets and madrigals , as well as secular songs. He was particularly known for his secular works, which often featured themes of love and nature. Verdonck's music was highly respected during his lifetime and was performed throughout Europe.

In addition to his work as a composer, Verdonck was also a skilled singer and lute player. He was known to have collaborated with several prominent musicians of his time, including Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, a Dutch composer and organist, and Hubert Waelrant, another Flemish composer.

Today, Verdonck's music is still performed and recorded by choirs and early music ensembles around the world. He is remembered as one of the leading composers of the late Renaissance period in Flanders, and his work has contributed significantly to the development of the genre of secular song.