Ottaviano Petrucci

Ottaviano Petrucci (June 18, 1466 – May 7 1539) was an Italian printer. Petrucci is credited with producing, in 1501, the first book of sheet music printed from movable type: Harmonice Musices Odhecaton, a collection of chansons. He also published numerous works by the most highly regarded composers of the Renaissance, including Josquin Des Prez and Antoine Brumel.

Significance

While Petrucci was not the first to print music—that distinction goes to the Johann Fust and Peter Schöffer, two Gutenberg associates from Mainz, who produced a Psalterium in 1457—Petrucci was the first printer to use movable type, the first to print in quantity, and the first to print the polyphonic music which was the predominant style at the time.

Related Topics:
Johann Fust - Peter Schöffer - Gutenberg - Mainz - Polyphonic

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The printing of music made possible the development of the first truly international musical style since the unification of Gregorian Chant in the 9th century. Printed music moved around Europe during the migration of Franco-Flemish composers from their home areas in the modern day Low Countries to Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland and elsewhere; the polyphonic style of the Franco-Flemish became an international language, with later regional variations.

Related Topics:
Gregorian Chant - 9th century - Franco-Flemish - Italy - Germany - Spain - Poland

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