De Lassus: Requiem à 5 & Motets

Immerse yourself in the sacred and profound with "De Lassus: Requiem à 5 & Motets," a captivating collection of Renaissance choral works by the renowned composer Orlande de Lassus. Released on April 21, 2017, via Toccata Classics, this album offers a unique blend of medieval, choral, and Gregorian chant genres, spanning a total of 60 minutes.

The centerpiece of the album is de Lassus' rarely heard "Requiem à 5," a five-part arrangement of the traditional Requiem Mass, performed here with the distinctive addition of brass instruments, lending a rich and somber hue to the compositions. The choir of Girton College, Cambridge, under the direction of Gareth Wilson, delivers a powerful and moving interpretation of this sacred work.

In addition to the Requiem, the album features a selection of motets, including "Ego sum resurrection," "Tristis est anima mea," and "Peccata mea Domine," showcasing de Lassus' mastery of polyphony and his deep spiritual insight. The album also includes several lesser-known works, such as "Margot labouréz les vignes" and "Levavi oculos meos," providing a comprehensive overview of de Lassus' choral output.

With its stunning performances and expert production, "De Lassus: Requiem à 5 & Motets" is an essential addition to any fan of Renaissance choral music. The album's blend of familiar and obscure works, along with its unique instrumentation, makes it a standout release in the genre.

Orlande de Lassus, also known as Orlando di Lasso, was a towering figure of the late Renaissance, renowned for his prolific and diverse musical output. Born around 1532 in Mons, Belgium, Lassus's extraordinary vocal talents led him on a journey across Europe, serving various courts in Italy, France, and Germany. His compositions, numbering over 2,000, span nearly every vocal genre of his time, from sacred motets and Masses to secular chansons, demonstrating his unparalleled versatility and mastery of the polyphonic style. Lassus's music is celebrated for its deep connection to text, making it a profound and emotional experience for listeners. Often hailed as "The divine Orlando," his influence was immense, and his works were published more frequently than any other composer of his era. Lassus's legacy endures as one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the Renaissance, standing alongside contemporaries like Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Tomás Luis de Victoria.