Final answer:
Taruskin argues that Glareanus categorized Josquin as the first Renaissance composer because Glareanus highlighted Josquin's work for its embodiment of Renaissance ideals such as balance and harmony. Glareanus's promotion of Josquin's music helped establish the composer as a leading figure of the era, reinforcing the idea of individual artistic genius.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion by Taruskin that Glareanus made Josquin the first "Renaissance" composer is based on the historical context in which Glareanus situated Josquin's work. Glareanus, a Swiss music theorist and poet, recognized Josquin's music for its departure from the medieval style and its embodiment of the Renaissance ideals of balance, harmony, and the highlighting of individual genius. During the Renaissance, a period known for the revival of classical antiquity, artists and thinkers like Dante, Petrarch, and Giotto laid the groundwork for a new cultural movement, emphasizing individuality and a rebirth of the ancient ideals. Josquin's music, with its complex polyphony and expressive qualities, aligned with these Renaissance values, and Glareanus's recognition and promotion of Josquin's music helped to establish the composer as an exemplary figure of this new age.
Furthermore, the Renaissance saw an evolution in the perception of artists and musicians from mere craftsmen to individuals capable of genius. This change promoted the idea of attributing works to single creators, which was solidified through Glareanus's elevation of Josquin. By highlighting Josquin as a masterful composer, Glareanus contributed to the notion of artistic genius that was central to the Renaissance, thus, categorizing Josquin as its first composer.