Why Is Josquin Des Prez Important

Makayla Jones

Professor Tracy D. Mank

Music Appreciation, MUL 1010

24 February 2023

Composer Essay: Josquin Des Prez

Born in the 1450’s, Josquin des Prez is a very well-known musical composer who thrived in the Renaissance period. Many even go as far to say that he was one of the greatest composers during this time. This French composer focused on perfecting the polyphonic style, as well adding other techniques to it that made it influential. Josquin des Prez specifically created motets, secular chansons, and masses. His work was looked at as a model for many theorists and composers, which spread rapidly through Western Europe. During the Renaissance period, the invention of the printing press was born. Josquin utilized the printing press

The Renaissance period marked the beginning of individualism for many composers. During this time composers began to put their names on their work, which is something that Josquin took part in. The printing press was also invented during this period and aided in this idea of individualization. The printing press was a machine that mass produced pieces of music for distribution. It was a cheaper and more efficient way for composers to share their music with others. It also allowed for less error because each piece of music was identical to one another. This invention made composers music, such as Josquin des Prez, a model that was clearer and more consistent, which allowed people to read and understand music more easily. Josquin is a Composer that really embraced this invention and is what ultimately led him to his success. He put his name on his brilliant pieces and distributed them throughout Western Europe. Through this he began to grow a name which popularized. The New Groove states that “Not only did the reprinting of his compositions go on apace, especially in Germany, but printers often placed his name on works by other composers, apparently

His music was praised by many, including the well-known Martin Luther. Other great composers looked up to Josquin's work as well. The journal article Josquin des Prez from JSTOR states that “Josquin was, around about 1500, generally regarded as the greatest composer of that time. One finds his name mentioned among the most famous musicians in the well-known motet Omnium bonorum plena of Loyset compere” (Smijers, 103). He was looked at as a central figure during the renaissance period by all. This is because Josquin created a specific technique that includes imitation melodies made by vocal compositions. In his secular songs he also included counterpoint and canon, which many found to be excellent. Some of his most famous works include his masses Missa de Beata Virgine and Missa Pange lingua; his chasons Mille regretz, Nimphes, Nappes, and Plus nulz regretz; and his motets Benedicta es, InviolT, Pater noster-Ave Maria, and Praeter rerum seriem. He influenced many during the Renaissance period, including other great composers of this time period, through his new style and techniques which homed in on both sacred and secular music. This caused composers to move away from the medieval period technique of homophonic