Guillaume Costeley

Costeley, a very accomplished composer, was one of those who seem to know when they have done enough, and go on to other pursuits . . . one thinks of John Taverner (“the Great”) and Sibelius.  About 1560 Costeley had established himself in the secular music of the French Royal Court, even as teacher to the 10 year old Charles IX.  In 1570 Le Roy & Ballard published a 100 chansons by Costeley along with his 3 motets . . . he was welcomed into the most learned societies in Paris lead by the likes of Ronsard and Baif and contributed to the ‘vers measuré’ movement most exemplified in the works of Claude Le Jeune.  By June of that year he was married, bought a house in Evreux, Normandy, a small cathedral town halfway to the Channel; and arranged to be present at Court only from Jan. to March.  He was 40 years old.  In 1588 he retired from Court entirely and died in Evreux in 1606.  

His music speaks for itself.