his works

Dufay was one of the most highly regarded composers of his generation, having composed such landmark works as Adieu ces bons vins de Lannoys and Apostolo gloriosopart, two compositions for which a specific historical occasion can be identified. His music flows more smoothly than the characteristically complex textures of the Medieval period, and is marked by graceful melodies and a compelling sense of direction. Dufay's early songs already show this style with full mastery, illustrating his most facile & exuberant command of melody and counterpoint.His four masses "L'homme arme," "Se la face ay pale,""Ecce ancilla domini," and "Ave regina caelorum" are what was to become the dominant style of mass composition. The Missa "Se la face ay pale" is probably the earliest surviving mass based on a secular theme, previous cantus-firmus masses having been based on liturgical chant.. These cantus firmus masses in four parts are his most famous works today, and were apparently instrumental in solidifying the position of this genre as central to the development of fifteenth century music

the man

The musical works of Guillaume Dufay are among the most difficult to circumscribe for major Renaissance composers. Dufay's large musical output, defined the new musical style of the early-to-mid-fifteenth century and with it the course of Western music into the Renaissance. The singularity of his eminence can best be compared to that of Beethoven.The singularity of his eminence can best be compared to that of Beethoven .
Guillaume Dufay was born near Cambrai around the year 1400, with documentary evidence presented suggesting the precise year 1397.. He spent most of his life in Italy, in various cities, and so not only contributed to a refinement in the musical life of Italy, but also brought ideas on lively Italian textures to the intellectual centers of Europe The events of his early life are unclear, including an apprenticeship with Richard Loqueville and appointments both around Cambrai and in Italy . By 1425 , Dufay was already one of the most famous composers in Europe.By 1440, he returned to Cambrai to take up a absentee post, only to go back in the 1450s to Savoy, and then return permanently to Cambrai, where continued composing. He had documented contact with other famous musical names such as Squarcialupi, Ockeghem and Binchois, and owned various benefices over a broad area. By the time he settled permanently in Cambrai, he was a rich and powerful man, a truly cosmopolitan figure of keen judgement and broad influence.

Guillaume Dufay

www.classical.net/music/comp.lst/dufay.html

www.medieval.org/emfaq/composers/dufay.html

www.dailypedia.com/2006/08/07/guillaume-dufay.html

www.malaspina.com/site/person_429.asp

www.karadar.com/Dictionary/dufay.html

www.cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Guillaume_Dufay.html