Dunstable, John

Dunstable, John (c. 1390-1453), sometimes spelt Dunstaple, leading English composer of his generation, whose harmonious style exerted an influence upon musical development in the early Renaissance. Biographical information is scarce but it is believed that he entered the employ of the Duke of Bedford before 1427, possibly travelling with him (1422-1427) when he was Regent of France, then working for Queen Joan of Navarre (1427-1436), and Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester (c. 1438). He died in London. Dunstable’s epitaph describes him as a “prince of music”, a mathematician, and an astronomer. His known output is predominantly sacred, for three or four voice-parts, including motets, mass movements, and possibly two of the earliest cyclic masses (in which each movement is based on the same musical material), Rex Seculorum and Da Gaudiorum Premia. The medieval technique of isorhythm (the overlapping of repeating rhythmic and melodic structures) and the use of plainsong are common unifying devices. Dunstable’s music epitomizes the euphonious style referred to by Martin le Franc as the “contenance angloise”, and praised by the theorist Tinctoris. Also seen in much of the music of the Old Hall manuscript (the principal source for his music), including that of his contemporary Leonel Power, this style shows the organum-derived emphasis on parallel motion in thirds and sixths, triadic melodies, and consonant harmonies. Dunstable’s works were renowned internationally and had a profound influence on early Renaissance composers such as the Burgundians Guillaume Dufay and Gilles Binchois.