John dunstable family

John Dunstable (or Dunstaple) is widely given credit for changing the face of music between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance by introducing new, “sweeter” harmonies.  In addition, he was probably the first English composer to have a substantial influence upon continental European music.

Early Years and Service to the Duke of Bedford

Nothing is known about Dunstable’s early life.  His earliest works are from around 1410 or 1420, so he may have been born around 1390.  Moreover scholars have not been able to determine where he was born. 

Dunstable must have received an impressive education, as he became not only a composer but also a mathematician and astronomer.  Many composers of his day made their living as members of the clergy, but no one knows for certain whether or not this is true of Dunstable.

Based on Dunstable’s note of ownership in a book, he seems to have been a musician to John, Duke of Be