Johannes Ockeghem

Jean de Ockeghem (Known as "Johannes Ockeghem")

Master Franco-Flemish Polyphonic Composer, First Master of Contrapuntal Complexity

Born c. 1410

Saint-Ghislain (near Mons), Belgium

Passed Away Feb 06, 1497 Tours, Kingdom of France

Lifespan 87 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Let the voices weave like streams of light, each independent yet bound in heavenly harmony."

Archival Overview

Supreme master of the Franco-Flemish School of polyphony whose breathtaking contrapuntal ingenuity in Missa Prolationum and Missa Cuiusvis Toni established the architectural foundations of Western choral music.

Biographical Record

Trained as a choirboy at Antwerp Cathedral, Ockeghem served Duke Charles I of Bourbon before being appointed premier chapelain to King Charles VII of France in 1451, serving three successive French monarchs over four decades while holding the prestigious post of Treasurer of Saint-Martin at Tours.

Ockeghem revolutionized vocal polyphony by expanding the bass range downward and weaving dense, non-imitative melodic lines of luminous rhythmic freedom. Upon his death in 1497, his disciple Josquin des Prez composed the poignant lamentation Nymphes des bois.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin
Tours, France

                         GPS: 47.3931, 0.6833                    

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