New Biographical Information on the Formative Years of Gaspar van Weerbeke

Abstract

This article uncovers new information concerning the life and family of Gaspar van Weerbeke. In particular, it shows how his social networks had an impact on Weerbeke’s professional opportunities. Milanese documents reveal that Gaspar van Weerbeke was an illegitimate son of Adriaen van Weerbeke (husband of Kateline van Steenweghe), and became a citizen of Oudenaarde in 1453. Adriaen and his brother Jan were marktschippers who shipped merchandise from Oudenaarde to Tournai (1449-76). Adriaen moved in circles that gave him the opportunity to provide his gifted son with a successful future. Gaspar was born c. 1445, and received his education as a singer in the parish of St. Walburga in the town of Oudenaarde. This town had a flourishing musical culture, boasting twelve talented singers (canters), four organists, and two organ builders in the period 1445-75. It is probable that the clergy from St. Walburga’s helped Gaspar to gain entry into the Burgundian and papal chapels. The fact that Weerbeke had a wide social network might explain why Galeazzo Sforza sent Gaspar to the Low Countries to recruit singers as early as April 1472.