Willaert: Missa Mente tota & Motets

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Renaissance polyphony with Adrian Willaert's "Missa Mente tota & Motets," a captivating exploration of the composer's masterful choral works. This album, released on June 1, 2010, under the Hyperion label, showcases Willaert's extraordinary talent and his significant contributions to the Venetian Renaissance music scene.

The centerpiece of this collection is Willaert's six-voice Missa Mente tota, a magnificent mass based on the quinta pars of his monumental cycle Vultum tuum deprecabuntur. The album opens with Josquin des Prez's motet "Mente tota," which serves as the foundation for Willaert's mass, providing a seamless blend of two master composers' works.

In addition to the Missa Mente tota, this album features a selection of motets that highlight Willaert's remarkable ability to weave complex contrapuntal textures. Notable works include "Laus tibi, sacra rubens," "Creator omnium, Deus," and the intriguing "Quid non ebrietas?" These pieces, along with the other motets, offer a comprehensive overview of Willaert's choral writing, demonstrating his mastery of the genre and his unique voice within the Renaissance musical landscape.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album provides a substantial and engaging listening experience. The performances are meticulously crafted, bringing to life the intricate polyphony and harmonic richness of Willaert's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Renaissance music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the works of Adrian Willaert, one of the most influential composers of his time.