Ciconia, Johannes (c. 1335 or c. 1373–1411 or 1412)

Liègeois composer and music theorist. His only clearly documented activity is as choirmaster at Padua Cathedral from about 1401, though another man of the same name was born about 1335 and was active earlier in Avignon. He was perhaps the most important and influential composer of his generation. His works include Mass movements, motets, and secular works in both French and Italian. There is also a treatise, Nova musica.

He began to study music around 1385, as a choirboy at Saint-Jean l'Evangeliste, Liège. Before 1400 he went to Padua where he became choirmaster and a canon at the cathedral, posts which he retained until his death. His motets show an advanced approach to imitation; some of them are ceremonial works, and date largely from the time he spent in Padua. They include two isorhythmic pieces in honour of the city's bishop.