Lassus: Prophetiae Sibyllarum & Missa Amor ecco colei

Immerse yourself in the resplendent world of late Renaissance polyphony with Orlande de Lassus' "Prophetiae Sibyllarum & Missa Amor ecco colei." This exquisite album, released on Hyperion, showcases the unparalleled mastery of Lassus, a composer who effortlessly traversed various vocal genres, from German Lied to Latin Mass. Recorded in the acoustically rich Chapel of Harcourt Hill campus at Oxford Brookes University in September 2010, this album is a testament to Lassus' extraordinary prolificacy and musical genius.

The album opens with the stunning "Prophetiae Sibyllarum," a collection of prophecies attributed to the Sibyls, ancient prophetesses who foretold the coming of Christ. Each of the twelve Sibyls is represented in a separate movement, culminating in a powerful and evocative musical journey. Following this, the album presents the "Missa Amor ecco colei," a Mass setting that exemplifies Lassus' ability to weave complex polyphony with profound spiritual depth.

In addition to these major works, the album features several motets, including "Magnificat Quant'in mille anni il ciel," "Iustorum animae," "Deficiat in dolore vita mea," and "Tristis est anima mea." These pieces, along with the Mass and the Sibylline prophecies, offer a comprehensive exploration of Lassus' sacred choral music.

Produced by Jeremy Summerly and performed by the Brabant Ensemble under the direction of Stephen Rice, this album is a stunning showcase of Renaissance vocal artistry. With a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, it provides a rich and immersive listening experience, highlighting the timeless beauty of Lassus' compositions.

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.