Jean Mouton (c. 1459–1522) is one of the most important figures in music history, although his compositions are less well-known than they deserve. Among his few widely known works are the extraordinary 'Nesciens mater', the lively 'Noë, noë psallite', and the atmospheric 'Queramus cum pastoribus'. Mouton was born near Samer in the Pas-de-Calais region and began his musical career in 1477 as a singer in Nesle before assuming the position of maître de chapelle in 1483. Evidence suggests that he was active in Saint-Omer in the 1490s and, from 1500, worked as director of the choirboys at Amiens Cathedral. After a period in Grenoble, he spent the last two decades of his life at the court of Queen Anne of Brittany and later at the court of Louis XII. and Francis I.
Pope Leo X also paid tribute to Mouton, and he received several lucrative benefices. In addition to his compositional work, he taught, including Adrian Willaert. Recordings focus primarily on his eight-part works, which include the artful 'Nesciens mater' and the graceful 'Ave Maria, gemma virginum'. Also noteworthy is the eight-part "state motet" 'Exsultet coniubilando', composed for solemn occasions.
The motet 'Verbum bonum et suave' is characterized by impressive polyphony and antiphonal structures. The recording also includes two further works attributed to Mouton – 'Inviolata, integra, et casta es, Maria' and 'Fulgebunt iusti' – whose authorship, however, is not certain. The repertoire is complemented by the four-part motets 'Factum est silentium' and 'Bona vita, buena refectio'.
In addition to numerous motets, 15 complete Mass settings by Mouton have survived. The five-part 'Missa Tu es Petrus', in particular, highlights his versatility and exceptional talent, making him comparable to other Renaissance composers such as Josquin.