Luca Signorelli’s “ Calling of the Elect” in the Cathedral of Orvieto, Italy.

1499-1503

Frustratingly little is known about the life of Hayne van Ghizeghem.  A Franco-Burgundian composer, he first appears in music history as a choir-boy at the Burgundian court in 1457.  This shows that he must have been born after 1440, and most likely in 1445.  He and his family came from the village Ghizeghem, approximately 12 miles from Ghent, located in present-day Belgium.  Hayne studied music under Constans Breuwe by the suggestion of Charles the Bold, the duke of Burgundy from 1467-1477.  Hayne is known to have participated in Charles' campaign against Liege, in a battle called the siege of Beauvais in 1472.  After this event, Hayne no longer was mentioned in historical documents.  For this reason, many scholars have assumed that Hayne may have died in that particular battle, or shortly after then.

Vicenzo Capirola  

Detubiens plaene, canto nel ton del primo recercar.

 

From a personal aspect, the most interesting is Vincenzo Capriola, who was most probably an Italian nobleman who became the most gifted Italian lutenist of his time. Most of his life was spent in Brescia, but certainly part of his creative career was in Venice. His most important document of 1520 was the most elaborate document called the 'Capirola Lutebook'. It was the most comprehensive survey of lute music and technique compiled to that time. From his other music we would assume he composed with a particular market in mind, as his works vary from simple tunes for beginners, to virtuoso scores unparalleled in his time. That he may well have travelled is shown in the French influence of his music. He also wrote vocal music, and probably was linked with the church during his life.