Flemish composer and theorist. A long-bearded, gnome-like figure, he was one of the most colourful characters in sixteenth century music. In his treatise Compendium Musicesof 1552 he made almost certainly unfounded claims to have studied with Josquin and served popes and kings of France. His chequered career did take him to various German cities; his school at Mimberg failed, and he had to flee the Prussian court at Königsberg after a serious scandal. His motets of 1552, described as Musica Reservata,attempt a very detailed expression of their texts, but Coclico's lack of technical expertise renders them merely curious.