Lassus: Lagrime Di San Pietro

Immerse yourself in the profound spiritual journey of "Lagrime di San Pietro," a masterful collection of twenty motets by the renowned Renaissance composer Orlande de Lassus. Released in 2013 on Signum Records, this album showcases the pinnacle of Lassus's compositional genius, offering a deeply moving exploration of faith, repentance, and redemption through the lens of Saint Peter's tears.

Comprising twenty tracks, each titled and numbered sequentially, "Lagrime di San Pietro" delves into the intricate polyphonic style characteristic of the Netherlands school, of which Orlande de Lassus is considered the chief representative. The album's duration of 53 minutes is filled with the hauntingly beautiful choral arrangements and Gregorian chants that define this medieval masterpiece.

Recorded in January 2013 at St. Michael's Church in Highgate, London, the album benefits from the expertise of producer Nigel Short and engineer Andrew Mellor, ensuring a rich and resonant acoustic experience. The ensemble's precise and nuanced performances bring Lassus's intricate compositions to life, highlighting the composer's unparalleled ability to weave complex vocal lines into a cohesive and deeply affecting whole.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of medieval and choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Lagrime di San Pietro" offers a captivating and spiritually enriching listening experience. This album is a testament to Orlande de Lassus's enduring legacy as one of Europe's most celebrated musicians, and it stands as a timeless example of his artistic brilliance.

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.