| Clemens (non Papa) (c. 1515-c. 1556) was a Dutch composer who spent much of his career as chapel master to Philippe II de Croÿ, a Belgian nobleman who commanded troops for the Hapsburg-Burgundian Emperor Charles V. After the prince’s death in 1549, the composer remained in the service of the de Croÿ family. In response to a request made by archduke Maximilian in 1553 to employ “maitre Clement” as a chapel master, Philippe III de Croÿ indicated that Clemens was not a suitable candidate for employment because he was a dissolute drunkard. This candid assessment may explain why Clemens never occupied a prominent position at a major musical establishment like others of his generation. Notwithstanding his personal demons, he was immensely prolific and was able to publish a considerable body of his large output. Thus, his music gained wide currency especially in northern territories and exerted a strong influence on composers of the next generation as diverse as Lassus and Byrd. |
|
 |
