Obrecht: Missa De Sancto Donatiano / Missa Sicut Spina Rosam

Jacob Obrecht, born in Ghent around 1457, was a towering figure in the world of Renaissance music, renowned for his masses, motets, and songs. Often hailed as the most celebrated composer of masses in late 15th-century Europe, his fame only waned after his death with the rise of Josquin des Prez. Obrecht's compositions are a masterclass in rich sonorities and sensuous lines, exuding a powerful sense of direction and architectural brilliance. His style seamlessly blended modern and archaic elements, making him one of the most influential and versatile musicians of his time. Born the son of a town trumpeter, Obrecht's career took him through various choirmaster posts in Northern France and the Low Countries, culminating in his tragic death from the plague in Ferrara in 1505. His legacy endures through his monumental works, which continue to captivate audiences with their timeless beauty and innovation.