Isaac: Missa Virgo Prudentissima / Virgo Prudentissima / Optime Pastor / A La Battaglia / Virgo Prudentissima

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and intricate world of Heinrich Isaac's choral masterpieces with this captivating album. Released in 1999, this collection showcases the genius of Heinrich Isaac, a composer whose works are celebrated for their depth and complexity. The album features a rich tapestry of choral compositions, including the monumental six-voice motet "Virgo prudentissima," dedicated to the Virgin Mary and composed in 1507. This motet, with its intricate polyphony and profound lyrics by Georg von Slatkonia, calls upon the Virgin Mary and the nine orders of angels to protect Emperor Maximilian I and the Holy Roman Empire.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Missa Virgo Prudentissima," a stunning example of Isaac's inventiveness in using the cantus firmus. This mass is a synthesis of his artistry, where the words of the antiphon are skillfully distributed among the voices, creating a rich and harmonious blend of sound. The album also includes other notable works such as "Optime pastor" and "A la battaglia," each contributing to the diverse and enchanting musical landscape.

With a duration of over an hour, this album is a testament to Isaac's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the choral repertoire. The performances are meticulously crafted, bringing to life the intricate compositions with clarity and precision. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience.

1 jan 1999

1999 Christophorus

About Heinrich Isaac

Heinrich Isaac, a towering figure of the Renaissance, was a Franco-Flemish composer whose music transcended borders and languages. Born around 1450 in the southern Netherlands, Isaac's compositions spanned masses, motets, songs in multiple languages, and instrumental works, reflecting his cosmopolitan career. He served notable patrons such as Lorenzo de' Medici in Florence and Emperor Maximilian I, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscapes of Italy and Germany. Isaac's contemporaries, including the legendary Josquin des Prez, recognized his genius, and his influence echoed through generations, inspiring composers like Bach and Brahms. His prolific output and innovative use of parody masses, often incorporating unusual themes, cement his status as one of the most significant composers of his time. Isaac's music, with its conservative harmonic idiom and intricate imitative polyphony, offers a rich and rewarding journey through the sonic world of the High Renaissance.