GOUDIMEL, CLAUDE. — Musician, b. at Besançon c. 1508, d. at Lyons on 27 Aug. 1572, killed in the massacre that followed the night of St Bartholomew.
A pupil of Desprez, he was one of the greatest composers of his time. Little is known of his life, which unfolded between Paris, Metz, Besançon and Lyons. He composed a *Magnificat*, psalms and motets (Paris 1553), 4 masses (ibid. 1558), and many *chansons* printed in Paris from 1557 to 1566.
His melody is sweet and inspired, and his contrapuntal style always correct, closely akin to that of Palestrina. Many manuscripts of G. are in Roman libraries, which led to the supposition of his presence in Rome; but recent studies have ruled this out. It is certain, however, that he exercised a great influence on the Roman school.