Geert van Turnhout facts for kids

Geert van Turnhout (also known as Gérard de Turnhout in French) was an important composer from Flanders who lived a long time ago, from about 1520 to 1580. He became the leader of a famous music group called the Flemish chapel (capilla flamenca) in Spain.

Geert van Turnhout was born in a town called Turnhout. He had a younger brother, Jan van Turnhout, who was also a composer.

Life and Music Career

Geert van Turnhout started his music career in Antwerp. Later, he worked at the Church of St Gummarus in Lier, Belgium. In 1559, he became the maître de chapelle there, which means he was the music director.

In 1562, he returned to the Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp). By 1563, he was made maître de chant, a very important music role. He wrote many motets, which are special types of songs. Some of his motets were for Saint Cecilia, who is the patron saint of music. This shows how important music was in the Antwerp cathedral.

Moving to Spain

On May 2, 1571, a powerful leader named Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba hired Geert van Turnhout. He became the maestro de capilla (music director) for the Capilla Flamenca of Philip II of Spain in Madrid. He took over from another composer, Jean de Bonmarché.

Geert van Turnhout traveled to Madrid with a group of singers from the Low Countries (which is now Belgium and the Netherlands). He stayed in Madrid, leading the chapel, until he passed away in 1580. After his death, George de La Hèle took his place.

Musical Works

Geert van Turnhout wrote many different kinds of music. Here are some of his known works:

• A special mass called ‘O Maria vernans rosa’ for five voices, written in 1570.
• A collection of 20 motets and 20 chansons (French songs) published in 1569. This collection was dedicated to Adrian Dyck, a notary in Antwerp. It even included a special motet for King Philip II.
• He also wrote 3 motets and 10 chansons for two voices in 1571.
• In 1572, he composed 4 Dutch songs for four or five voices.
• He created 5 French sacred songs for three voices in 1577.

Recordings of His Music

You can still listen to some of Geert van Turnhout's music today!

• The chanson En regardant can be found on an album called Musicians of the Chapelle de Bourgogne.
• His motet Jerusalem luge and two chansons, Craint' et espoir and Dueil, double dueil, are on the album Leal Amour: Flemish Composers at the Court of Philip II.
• Two more chansons, Je prens en gré la dure mort and Jouÿsance vous donneray, are on the album Philippe Rogier en Spanje.

See also

In Spanish: Gerardus van Turnhout para niños