Ludwig Senfl

Swiss Renaissance Composer and Musician

Ludwig Senfl was a Swiss composer of the Renaissance period, born around 1486 and passing away in 1542 or 1543. He was a pupil of Heinrich Isaac and served at the court of Emperor Maximilian I. Senfl's career flourished in the early 16th century, where he became a well-respected composer and musician. His works include a wide range of vocal music, such as masses, motets, lieder (German songs), and instrumental pieces. Senfl's compositions reflect the transition from the medieval period to the Renaissance style, and he is particularly noted for his German lieder, which often featured intricate polyphony and were based on popular tunes of the day or on liturgical melodies. His music was influential in spreading the Lutheran chorale during the Reformation.