Heinrich Glareanus

• Born: 1488
• Died: 1563

Biography

Glareanus (1488 - 1563) was an eminent Swiss humanist and music theorist whose Dodekachordon (The Twelve-String Lyre), published in 1547, is regarded as one of the great Renaissance contributions to music theory. Glareanus is primarily known for adding four new modes to the eight medieval modes (Dorian, Hypodorian, Phrygian, Hypophrygian, Lydian, Hypolydian, Mixolydian, and Hypomixolydian). The new modes were: the Aeolian and Hypoaeolian (with A as the final, and the Ionian and Hypoionian (with C as the final). In essence, Glareanus' theoretical addition merely codified current practice, since composers, including Josquin had been using modes based on A and C. ~ Zoran Minderovic, All Music Guide