One of his earliest compositions was an Ode for the victory of Lepanto, 7 October 1571. Between the years 1566 and 1578 he composed seven masses and madrigals. In 1582 he was made a canon of Chioggia, and in the following year was elected bishop of that see, but declined the honour.
His principal claim to fame is his work as a musical theorist. He published three remarkable treatises at Venice, between the years 1558 and 1589. He only admitted twelve modes, beginning with the Ionian, thus practically laying the foundation of our present major and minor scales. His theories were disputed by his pupil, Galilei; Zarlino was, however, right. He suggested the division of the octave into twelve semitones, and also equal temperament for keyed instruments.
Zarlino died in Venice. He was buried in San Lorenzo, and, though his monument has disappeared, his bust is in the Doge's Palace. A medal was struck in his honour while he was still alive.
This article incorporates text from the Catholic Encyclopedia, which is in the public domain.