Janequin, Clément

(ca. 1485-1558)

   composer

   A composer of chansons and psalms whose songs are witty and richly textured, Clément Janequin was born in Chatelleraut and became a protégé of powerful and notable individuals, such as the duke of guise and the cardinal of Lorraine, as well as becoming the composer for King henry ii. Nonetheless, Janequin spent much of his life in poverty. He first served as choirmaster of Angers cathedral (1534-37) and established himself in Paris after 1549. The body of his work consists of 275 songs for three, four, and five voices, and was published after 1520. The incontestable master of the popular music of his day, he wrote in all genres (lyric, narrative, erotic) and employed a style that evoked the imitation of nature and theatrical illusion. Janequin's religious works (motets, masses, psalms, and hymns) are considered unequaled for his time.