COMPRE, LOYSET

born c. 1445, Hainaut? [now in Belgium] died Aug. 16, 1518, Saint-Quentin, France important composer of the Franco-Netherlandish school, best known for his motets and chansons. He functioned as a transitional figure between Jean d'Ockeghem and Josquin des Prez. Little is known of Compre's early life. During the mid-1470s he was in the chapel choir of the Duke of Milan. By 1486 he was a chantre ordinaire in the service of Charles VIII. Becoming a naturalized French citizen in 1494, Compre probably traveled with Charles during the French invasion of Italy (1494). He was subsequently a dean of St. Gry in Cambrai (14981500); provost at St. Pierre in Douai (15001503/04); and canon and chancellor at Saint-Quentin. He seems to have continued to serve the French court during his tenure at these churches. Compre's surviving works include several motets, more than 50 chansons, 3 complete masses, and 4 complete Magnificats.