In 1586 the poet Jean Megnier described Cipriano de Rore as « inventif » a composer

who searched out « nouveaux accords ». The essays in this volume flesh out various

ways in which Megnier's characterization rings true. One group of essays deals

with de Rore's biography and strategies of patronage from his early years in Italy

to the end of his life. A second is concerned with sources and repertoire, ranging

widely across genres. A third presents a series of new analytical approaches to

Cipriano's music. The volume concludes by considering his reputation through

the lens of music historiography. To mark the 500th anniversary of his birth (1515

or 1516), we offer these new perspectives on the life and music of this major figure

in Renaissance music.