A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Goudimel, Claude

GOUDIMEL, CLAUDE, a celebrated teacher and composer, born at Vaison, in the neighbourhood of Avignon, in the early part of the 16th century. He betook himself to Rome, and opened a music school there, numbering amongst his pupils such distinguished musicians as Animuccia, Bettini (called 'il Fornarino'), 'Alessandro della Viola,' Nanini, and, above all, Palestrina. Masses and motets, written at this period, are preserved in the Vatican and Vallicellan libraries at Rome. Eitner's Bibliographie der Musik-Sammelwerke (Berlin, 1877) gives a list of more than 60 compositions printed between the years 1549 and 1597. The 4th book 'Ecclesiasticarum cantionum,' etc. (Antwerp, Tylman Susato 1554), has a motet, 'Domine quid multiplicati sunt,' which Burney has printed in score in his History. In 1555 Goudimel appears to have settled in Paris; and the work, entitled 'Q. Horatii odæ omnes ad rythmos musicos redactæ' is issued in the joint names of Duchemin and Goudimel. This partnership lasted for a short time, probably only for the purpose of bringing out this particular work, for we find in the next year Duchemin's name alone on the title-page of his publications. Goudimel commenced writing music to the whole psalms of David in the form of motets, but did not live to complete the work. He also put music to the French metrical version of the Psalms of Marot and Beza, the music being in 4 parts, the counterpoint note against note, and the melody in the tenor (Lyons, Jaqui, 1565). The melodies are those used by Claude Le Jeune in a similar work, and were probably of German origin. The translation had not been originally intended for any particular religous sect, or for any form of public worship. The Sorbonne saw nothing in it contrary to the faith, and the Catholics at first used it freely. It is thus doubtful whether Goudimel's work, which he expressly states in his preface is for private use only, is enough to prove that he became a Protestant. It is certainly not enough to justify Hawkins (Hist. ch. 88) in denying the possibility of his having lived at Rome or having taught Palestrina. But Calvin's introduction of psalm, singing into the public worship of his followers stamped it as heretical, and Goudimel fell a victim to his connection with it. He was killed at Lyons in the massacre on St. Bartholomew's day, Aug. 24, 1572, by 'les ennemis de la gloire de Dieu et quelques mechants envieux de l'honneur qu'il avait acquis.'

[ J. R. S. B. ]