Després Sheet Music

Després Sheet Music and Biography

Josquin Després (or Desprez) is also known as des Pres (or des Prez) or simply Josquin. He was a great composer of the Renaissance in Europe.

We have arrangements of Scaramella or Scaramouche for recorder available for download.

Much of his early life is speculative. It wasn’t until 1477 that his first job as a singer at the chapel of René, Duke of Anjou, in Aix-en-Provence was documented. He stayed at the chapel until at least 1478 – perhaps even later.

Between 1480 and 1483 he worked for King Louis XI until the King’s death. Following this, it is thought he may have headed to Milan.

In 1489 he worked for the Pope’s chapel writing music including motets. From 1504 until his death he held the post of provost in Condé-sur-l’Escaut in Northern France – known for its excellent choir.

His wrote mostly choir music for the church but also some non-religious music. His music fell into three areas plus some instrumental music:

• Masses – use of general techniques
• Motets – a variation of style from strictly homophonic settings to highly ornate to psalm – he displayed a free reign of his talent
• Chansons – French songs with lyrics
• Frottole – Italian secular songs

Després died on 27th August 1521 and ensured his property and money was left to his church and not the lords.

Després Sheet Music Downloads and Further Reading

On music-scores.com we have a couple of arrangements for you of Josquin Després sheet music in PDF format for you to download.

For further information take a look at Wikipedia or Britannica.