Orlande de Lassus

Orlando di Lasso, a central figure of the late Renaissance and a prolific composer, made significant contributions to the polyphonic Franco-Flemish school. Born in Mons, Habsburg Netherlands, he demonstrated exceptional musical talent from an early age. Lasso's career took him across Europe, including stints in Italy and the Low Countries, before he settled in Munich to work for Albrecht V, Duke of Bavaria. His compositions encompassed sacred and secular genres and reflected a masterful understanding of text setting and emotional expression. Despite the era's turbulent religious landscape, Lasso maintained his Catholic faith, which influenced his extensive body of work. His last composition, the 'Lagrime di San Pietro', is lauded among his finest. Lasso passed away in Munich on 14 June 1594.