Lassus: Missa Vinum Bonum with accompanying motets

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich polyphony of the Renaissance with Orlande de Lassus' "Lassus: Missa Vinum Bonum with accompanying motets," a captivating collection of sacred choral works that showcase the composer's mastery of counterpoint and harmonic innovation. This album, released in 2012 under the Musical Concepts label, features the renowned choir Ex Cathedra, His Majesty's Sagbutts & Cornetts, and is expertly conducted by Jeffrey Skidmore and Jeremy West.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Missa Vinum Bonum," a parody mass based on Lassus' own motet of the same name. This mass is a testament to Lassus' skill in reworking his models, drawing from Italian madrigals, French chansons, and Latin motets to create a unique and engaging musical experience. The album also includes a variety of motets and bicinia, two-part pieces excerpted from Lassus' vocal music, providing a comprehensive exploration of his choral works.

With a duration of just over an hour, this album offers a substantial and rewarding listening experience. The performances are dynamic and involving, with Ex Cathedra's mix of mature and young voices giving the sound a distinctive edge. The addition of cornetts and sackbuts in the mass further enriches the texture and depth of the music.

Whether you're a seasoned fan of Renaissance polyphony or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The precise harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive melodies of Orlande de Lassus' music are brought to life in these stunning performances, providing a window into the rich musical heritage of the Renaissance.

14 augustus 2012

2012 Musical Concepts

About Orlande de Lassus

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.