Career
He is grouped among the composers known as the Colorists. After being ordained, he became chaplain at the court in Heidelberg. Verdung sung in the choir as a male alto until 1505/1506.
The following year, in January 1507, he received one of nine succentorships at Konstanz Cathedral where he educated the choirboys until he was dismissed in 1508 presumably for his difficult temperament.
In 1511, he published his treatise Musica getuscht und angezogen The text is described as the first printed book on the subject. lieutenant covered theory of music, counterpoint and composition.
However, none of these subjects are to be found in the printed work that survives. Existing sections are based on instruments with illustrations and is notable for being the oldest printed source on this subject.
The second is said to be Musica instrumentalis deudsch (1529) by Martin Agricola.
These works are both illustrated, and important for the history of European instruments. lieutenant classifies instruments into families. lieutenant is also a source on musical notation.