Mouton, Jean

Mouton, Jean a French composer of Church music, flourished in the 16th century. He was first brought into notice about the opening of that age under the reign of Louis XII. Under Francis I he enjoyed royal protection and support, and as musical director of the royal chapel Mouton was encouraged to bring out his own compositions. He wrote considerably, and some of his productions were suffered dedication to pope Leo X. Mouton died before 1532. His Masses are justly celebrated. Five of these were published by Petrucci in 1508. Several of his compositions are preserved at Rome and Munich. His motets and madrigals are also circulated. As a composer, Mouton possessed more than the usual attainments. He was master of music as a science. His compositions are simple and natural, and betray the hand of a skilful artist. See Burney, Genesis Hist. of Music; Forkel, Gesch. d. Musik; Fites, Biographie Universelle des Musiciens; Patria, Hist. de l'Art musical en France.