Orlando di Lasso Biography - A Very Quick Guide

Franco-Flemish composer Orlando di Lasso (also known as Lassus) was born around 1532 in Mons, in present-day Belgium. As a boy he was recruited as a choir singer and spent his early career travelling widely through Italy, absorbing a range of musical styles. In 1556 he joined the court of Munich, where he remained for the rest of his life as Kapellmeister, directing one of Europe’s most important musical establishments. His output includes masses, motets, madrigals, chansons, and German lieder, representing nearly every major vocal genre of the 16th century.

Lasso became one of the most celebrated composers of the late Renaissance, admired for his technical command and ability to adapt his style to different languages and traditions. His music ranges from complex polyphony to simple, expressive pieces intended for domestic performance. Works such as the Penitential Psalms and numerous motets secured his international reputation, and his influence spread throughout Europe. He died in Munich in 1594, leaving behind more than 2,000 compositions.