Peeter Cornet

Full biography Peeter Cornet

Peeter Cornet was a Flemish composer and keyboardist who lived in the 17th century. Born in 1575 in Brussels, he spent most of his life in Flanders and was known for his contributions to the development of keyboard music during the Baroque period.

Cornet was the son of a musician and received his early musical education from his father. He later studied composition and organ with famous musicians, including Girolamo Frescobaldi, a renowned Italian keyboardist.

Cornet gained fame in his lifetime as an organist, choir director, and composer. His compositions were primarily religious in nature, and he wrote numerous Masses, hymns, and motets. Cornet was one of the few composers in the 17th century who wrote solely for the keyboard, and his pieces reflect a unique blend of Flemish and Italian styles.

Cornet was particularly renowned for his works for the harpsichord and organ, such as his "Fantasia in F major" and "Pavana Chromatica." His music was characterized by its intricate polyphony, rich harmonies, and complex ornamentation.

Despite his success and influence, much of Cornet's music has been lost over time. Some of his keyboard works, however, have survived and continue to be studied and performed by musicians today.

In conclusion, Peeter Cornet was an important figure in the development of keyboard music during the Baroque period. His contribution to Flemish and Italian styles helped to shape the classical music of the 17th century, and his harpsichord and organ compositions were widely appreciated in his time. Even today, his surviving works continue to captivate and inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.