Adrian Willaert

Adrian Willaert (c. 1490–1562) was a Flemish composer of the High Renaissance and the founder of the Venetian School. Born near Roeselare in Flanders, he went to Paris to study law but turned to music, and in 1515 entered the service of the Este family of Ferrara.

In 1527 Andrea Gritti helped secure his appointment as maestro di cappella of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, a post he held until his death. He transplanted Franco-Flemish polyphony to Italy and trained musicians from across Europe, including Gioseffo Zarlino.