Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Renaissance polyphony with Johannes Ockeghem's "Ockeghem: Requiem / Missa Fors seulement." This 1997 release, brought to you by Decca (UMO), is a captivating journey through the sacred and secular works of one of the most influential composers of the 15th century. The album spans a rich 71 minutes, featuring 11 tracks that showcase Ockeghem's mastery of both the requiem and the choral mass.
The centerpiece of this collection is Ockeghem's Requiem, a profound and moving polyphonic setting of the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass. This work is notable for being one of the earliest surviving polyphonic settings of any requiem mass, offering a glimpse into the sacred music of the Renaissance. Complementing the Requiem is the Missa Fors seulement, a late five-part work that survives as a three-movement torso, showcasing Ockeghem's fluid and diverse style in his later masterpieces.
The album also includes the original chanson "Fors seulement" and two contemporary reworkings, highlighting Ockeghem's innovative approach to composition. The Clerks' Group, under the direction of Edward Wickham, delivers a performance that has garnered critical acclaim, including Gramophone's Early Music Award in 1997. Their rendition of Ockeghem's works is praised for its precision, emotional depth, and historical authenticity.
This recording is part of a series dedicated to Ockeghem's works, and it commemorates the 500th anniversary of the composer's death. The album's liner notes provide valuable insights into Ockeghem's life, his musical techniques, and the historical context of his compositions, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Renaissance music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience.
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