Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of medieval and classical choral music with Johannes Ockeghem's "Missa L'homme Arme" and Josquin Desprez's "Memor Esto Verbi Tui." This captivating album, released on February 26, 1998, under the Naxos label, offers a profound exploration of sacred music from the Renaissance period.
The album opens with Ockeghem's "Missa L'homme Arme," a masterful setting of the popular Burgundian song "L'homme armé." This six-voice mass is a testament to Ockeghem's intricate compositional style and his ability to weave complex polyphony with striking clarity. The Oxford Camerata, conducted by Jeremy Summerly, brings these pieces to life with their celestial voices, delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving.
In addition to the mass, the album features two Marian antiphons, "Ave Maria, gratia plena" and "Alma Redemptoris Mater," showcasing Ockeghem's skill in setting sacred texts to music. The album also includes Josquin Desprez's "Memor Esto Verbi Tui," a remarkable composition that appears to be a complaint to God but reveals a deeper spiritual contemplation.
With a total duration of 56 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of Renaissance choral music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of medieval and classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the rich heritage of sacred choral works, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.