Jacob Obrecht (c.1457/58-1505) was a Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance. Born in Ghent, he worked in several centres including Bruges, Antwerp and Ferrara, and was admired as one of the leading composers before Josquin’s full ascendancy.

His works include masses, motets and songs. Obrecht was especially celebrated for his mass settings, which often use elaborate cantus firmus techniques and large-scale contrapuntal design.

His music is learned, expansive and technically resourceful, yet capable of striking sonority and expressive warmth. He belongs to the generation that brought Renaissance polyphony to a high point of complexity and splendour.

Obrecht’s life ended during a plague outbreak in Ferrara, but his reputation remained strong among musicians. His music is a cathedral of moving parts, built with patience and lit from within.