John Dunstaple (c.1390–1453) was an influential English composer whose music helped define the early Renaissance sound. Renowned for his rich harmonies and smooth melodic lines, he played a key role in shaping the distinctive “English contenance” that influenced composers across Europe. Serving in noble and ecclesiastical circles, Dunstaple’s motets, masses, and carols bridged the medieval and Renaissance eras, blending technical mastery with expressive warmth. His legacy endures as a foundation for the flourishing of polyphonic music in the fifteenth century.