John Laskaris (fl. early 15th century) was aByzantine music theorist and composer.
Laskaris was a native ofConstantinople. Although he is often called "John Laskaris of Crete" in the sources, this probably refers to his important period of activity on the island. Besides the common surnameLaskaris, he is also known by the surnamesPigonites and Syrpaganos, which is probably a variant of the former with a Latinate prefix meaning "sir". He is also sometimes called John Laskars Kalomisides. All of these surnames point to a Constantinopolitan origin.[1]
Laskaris left his family and property in Constantinople to come toVenetian Crete in 1411. He was already at that time a successfulcantor and was probably sent to Crete with the support of the EmperorManuel II and PatriarchJoseph II to fortify theChurch of Crete underLatin rule. The timing of his decision to leave may have been related to theOttoman siege of 1411.[1] In Crete, he opened a school and taught chanting to boys.[2] Although he was initially permitted by the Venetian authorities to chant wherever he was asked to, in October 1418 he was sued for infringing on the rights of the local clergy, insulting and threatening them. On 26 October, he was sent into exile.[1]
Laskaris was still alive during the reign ofJohn VIII (1425–1448), since he composed apolychronion and apentekostarion for he and his wife,Maria of Trebizond.[1]
Laskaris composed both church music and lyrics forGreek Orthodox services. Some of his poetry was set to music by others, includingJohn Kladas.[1] His works continued to be copied into the 19th century.[2] He also wrote a theoretical treatise entitledExplanation and Modulation of the Musical Art (orInterpretation and Parallage of the Art of Music).[1][2] It is preserved in sevenmanuscripts, often with diagrams.[1]
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