Jean Courtois

Full biography Jean Courtois

Jean Courtois was a composer of the Franco-Flemish School who lived and worked in the first half of the 16th century. He was born in the early 16th century and died sometime after 1545. Courtois was a generation after Josquin des Prez and was considered to be one of the leading composers of his time ). It is known that he was a maitre de chapelle, or master of the chapel, but it is unclear which chapel he served.

Not much is known about Courtois's life, but his music has survived and reflects the style of the Franco-Flemish School, known for its polyphonic texture and complex harmonies. He wrote a variety of vocal music, including masses, motets, and chansons. Some of his surviving works include "Ave Maria, virgo serena," "Omnis mundus jocundetur," and "Tota pulchra es." His music demonstrates a mastery of counterpoint and a sensitivity to text setting.

Although Courtois was not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, such as Orlando di Lasso or Palestrina, his music was highly regarded in his time and continues to be appreciated by early music enthusiasts today.