Lassus: Responsories for Holy Week

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Renaissance polyphony with Orlande de Lassus' "Responsories for Holy Week." This exquisite collection, released on Toccata Classics, features the renowned composer's masterful settings of the Holy Week responsories, a series of choral pieces sung during the Tenebrae services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

Comprising 20 intricate and moving compositions, this album showcases Lassus' unparalleled ability to weave complex vocal lines and harmonies, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with the sacred texts. Each responsory, sung in Latin, reflects on the events of Christ's Passion, from the betrayal and arrest to the crucifixion and entombment. Lassus' skillful compositional techniques, as required by the Council of Trent, bring the human tragedy of the Easter story to life, making this album a powerful and contemplative experience.

Recorded with meticulous attention to detail, this album captures the essence of Lassus' musical genius and the spiritual depth of the Holy Week liturgy. The choral performances are impeccable, with each voice blending seamlessly to create a unified and resonant sound. The album's duration of 53 minutes allows for a comprehensive exploration of Lassus' responsories, making it an essential addition to any lover of medieval, choral, and Gregorian chant music.

"Responsories for Holy Week" is a testament to Orlande de Lassus' enduring legacy as one of the most influential composers of the Renaissance. This album is a beautiful and solemn reflection of the sacred texts, offering a profound and moving listening experience.

6 oktober 2017

2017 Toccata Classics

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.