Rudolph Werthen's "Renaissance of the Spirit: The Music of Orlando di Lasso and His Contemporaries" is a captivating exploration of the rich musical heritage of the Renaissance period. Released on May 23, 2000, under the Telarc label, this album spans a diverse range of genres, including minimalism and neoclassical, offering a unique blend of sacred and secular compositions.
Werthen's work is deeply rooted in the style of Orlando di Lasso, a prominent figure of the Renaissance era, and includes pieces that reflect the polychoral structures and rhetorical nuances characteristic of the time. The album features a mix of vocal and instrumental tracks, showcasing Werthen's mastery of both the recorder and choral arrangements.
With a runtime of just over an hour, the album presents a collection of 21 tracks that range from solemn hymns like "Lauda anima mea" and "Credo" to more lively pieces such as "Pavane and Gaillarde" and "Gaillarde." The inclusion of recorder pieces adds a delicate and intricate layer to the album, highlighting Werthen's technical prowess and artistic sensitivity.
Fans of Renaissance music, minimalism, and neoclassical genres will find this album to be a compelling addition to their collection. Werthen's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to evoke the spirit of the Renaissance make this album a standout piece in the realm of early music.