Origins & Early Life

Orlando di Lasso (various other names; probably c. 1532 – 14 June 1594) was a composer of the late Renaissance. The chief representative of the mature polyphonic style in the Franco-Flemish school, Lasso stands with William Byrd, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and Tomás Luis de Victoria as one of the leading composers of the later Renaissance. Immensely prolific, his music varies considerably in style and genre, which gave him unprecedented popularity throughout Europe.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Lasso's name appears in many forms, often changed depending on the place in which his music was being performed or published. In addition to Orlando di Lasso, variations include Orlande de Lassus, Roland de Lassus, Orlandus Lassus, Orlande de Lattre and Roland de Lattre. Since these various spellings or translations of the same name have been known and accepted for centuries, and since there is no evidence that he stated a preference, none of them can be considered incorrect. Orlando di Lasso was born in Mons in the County of Hainaut, Habsburg Netherlands (modern-day Belgium). Information about his early years is scanty, although some uncorroborated stories have survived, the most...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• John Hawkins (naval commander) — Contemporary (Born in 1532) (1532): Pioneering English naval commander, slave trader, and architect of the Elizabethan Navy.
• Sofonisba Anguissola — Contemporary (Born in 1532) (1532): Master Italian Renaissance portrait painter, celebrated for her skill and family depictions.
• Tulsidas — Contemporary (Born in 1532) (1532): Renowned Vaishnava saint and poet, celebrated for the Ramcharitmanas.
• Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina — Contemporary (Died in 1594) (1594): Master of the Roman School, defining late Renaissance polyphony.
• Gustavus Adolphus — Contemporary (Born in 1594) (1594): King of Sweden and pivotal military leader during the Thirty Years' War.
• Nicolas Poussin — Contemporary (Born in 1594) (1594): Master of the classical French Baroque style, known for its logic and order.
• Benedict Arnold — Shared historical date (06-14 · Died) (1801): American-born British officer known for service in the Revolutionary War and subsequent treason.
• Bernard Bosanquet (philosopher) — Shared historical date (06-14 · Born) (1848): Influential English philosopher and political theorist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Yermak Timofeyevich — Historical peer (Born in 1532) (1532): Cossack ataman who initiated the Russian conquest of Siberia against the Tatar Khanate.
• Tintoretto — Historical peer (Died in 1594) (1594): Master of Venetian Mannerism, known for dramatic energy and bold brushwork.
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