Adrian Willaert

Adrian Willaert (c. 1490–1562) was a South Netherlandish composer who worked for many years in Italy. In 1514 or 1515 he was in Rome and around that time he was hired by Cardinal Ippolito I d’Este in Ferrara as a singer. Upon the death of Cardinal Ippolito in 1520, Willaert moved on to the service of Duke Alfonso d’Este. The Duke and the composer established a long lasting relationship that extended to the end of the two men’s lives.

In 1527 Willaert was appointed maestro di cappella at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice, one of the most prestigious musical posts in the world. He held this position until his death in 1562. His salary, and the fact that people were ordered to carefully copy all the music he composed for use in the chapel, are witness to the high esteem in which he was held in the Serenissima.

Vocal Works Performed by the San Francisco Bach Choir

Lauda Jerusalem