Josquin des Prez (1450-1521) is a French composer. His music provides a bridge between the late medieval period and Renaissance. Very little is known, but much is conjectured, about his early life and training. He began as a choral singer and was composing by 1483. He traveled to Rome and Milan and sang in various secular and papal courts.
Josquin returned to France when the French king, Louis XII, invaded Italy in 1498. In fact, there is an anecdote (that even may be true) about Josquin in Louis XII's court: the king had not paid Josquin a promised amount, so Josquin composed a motet using Psalm 117, "Remember your word to your servant." The court was charmed by Josquin's cleverness and Louis XII paid him.
The Missa de Beata Virgine is an amalgamation of three medieval mass styles. While the strict cantus-firmus style is found in the last three sections, the plainsong and parody styles appear as well.
This recording is performed by A Sei Voci.
For more information, and to download this track, click here at http://alexanderstreet.com/CLMUdownload.htm
All tracks downloaded through this promotion are owned by Alexander Street Press and are available to legally download, free of cost to the user.
