Josquin, Missa Pange lingua (Kyrie) How did we go so long in this series without something by Josquin Desprez (c. 1440 – 1521), universally acknowledged as one of the masters of the Renaissance? If you could listen to only one composer of sacred polyphonic music in … Read more
Byrd, Miserere mei, Deus We begin the Lenten Season on a more reflective note, especially compared to last week’s Shrovetide Fair and Petrushka. William Byrd (c. 1543-1623) made his mark on the early Elizabethan Era. He grew up in the reign of the Mary Tudor … Read more
Dowland, Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part “Semper Dowland, semper dolens” (always Dowland, always doleful). The motto comes from Dowland himself. Melancholia is what made John Dowland (1563-1626) famous. Songs like “Flow My Tears” and “I Saw My Lady Weep” seem to sum up … Read more
Gabrieli, Canzon septimi toni Giovanni Gabrieli was appointed principal organist at Saint Mark’s in Venice from 1585. The next year he succeeded his uncle Andrea Gabrieli as principal composer at Saint Mark’s. He held both post until his death in 1612. Saint Mark’s exerted a strong influence … Read more
Morley: Now Is the Month of Maying Well, it’s May. We could do something on International Worker’s Day, but drawing on older celebrations of May Day seem more appropriate. May Day is celebrated in many countries with dances and songs and Maypoles marking the beginning … Read more
Palestrina: Super flumina Babylonis Since I’m doing some editing of our unit on Jerusalem in the Early Sacred Music course, it seems natural to turn to Psalm 137 for this week’s performance pick. Many composers have set this text to music. Psalm 137 describes the … Read more