Francesco Zarlino

Francesco Zarlino (1517–1590) was an influential Italian music theorist and composer during the Renaissance. He is best known for his writings on music theory, particularly his book *Istitutioni harmoniche*, which established foundational concepts of harmony, counterpoint, and musical notation. Zarlino's work helped systematize the understanding of musical scales and chords, influencing how Western music developed. He emphasized the importance of the mathematical relationships between notes and advocated for a more structured approach to composition, paving the way for future composers and theorists in the evolving landscape of Western music.