discover
Not much is known about the life of Josquin des Prez (c. 1450/55–1521), but his musical significance is great. The many masses, motets, and chansons he left behind are a testament to his unique qualities as a composer. No one was as inventive or knew how to use music to make lyrics speak so powerfully.
In these motets, Josquin employs various compositional techniques, ranging from an ostinato in *Miserere mei Deus*, a cantus firmus in *Nymphes des Bois*, and a completely free style in *Planxit autem David*. The program is framed by a lament by Josquin on the occasion of Ockeghem’s death at the beginning and a lament by Gombert on the occasion of Josquin’s death at the end.
Josquin des Prez’s motets are among his finest works, and I consider the *Misere mei Deus* and *Planxit autem David* to be perhaps the most beautiful works of the entire Renaissance. “That is why I chose this collection of motets, in which Josquin’s music can be heard in all its glory,” said Daniel Reuss.
recognition
The album *Miserere mei Deus* by Cappella Amsterdam was met with great acclaim. Critics praise the choir’s “wonderful clarity” and “focused artistry.” Presto Music praises the sincere emotional impact of the performance and highlights the finesse with which Cappella Amsterdam conveys both the richness of the polyphony and the intimacy of these religious works. With an eye for detail and a deep respect for musical tradition, this album offers a spiritual journey that inspires and moves listeners.
“An entire disc of funeral motets and lamentations might not sound like much fun, but Josquin’s music and the timeless poetry of his texts soothe and transcend…[Reuss’s] tempos are never too ponderous, so Josquin’s polyphony flows like honeyed balm. Sopranos with boyish-sounding voices and sonorous lower voices caress the ear with a velvety sound. The polyphonic lines are clean, the words are clear, and the expressive devices are aptly introspective.” – BCC Music Magazine
*Miserere mei Deus* is a magnificent addition to Cappella Amsterdam’s discography and an essential album for lovers of Renaissance music. With this recording, the choir highlights not only the technical perfection of these works, but also the emotional power and spiritual depth hidden within each composition. The album invites listeners to take a moment to reflect and embrace the timeless beauty of this music.
about
Composers: Josquin Dez Prez, Nicolas Gombert
Conductor: Daniel Reuss
Label: harmonia mundi
Length: approx. 60 minutes
Online Store: Not much is known about the life of Josquin des Prez (c. 1450/55–1521), but his musical significance is great. The many masses, motets, and chansons he left behind are a testament to his unique qualities as a composer. No one was as inventive or knew how to use music to make lyrics speak so powerfully.
In these motets, Josquin employs various compositional techniques, ranging from an ostinato in *Miserere mei Deus* to a cantus firmus in *Nymphes des Bois* and a completely free style in *Planxit autem David*. The program is framed by a lament by Josquin on the occasion of Ockeghem’s death at the beginning and a lament by Gombert on the occasion of Josquin’s death at the end.
Josquin’s motets are among his finest works, including the *Misere mei Deus* and *Planxit autem David* I think these might just be the most beautiful works of the entire musical Renaissance. That is why I have chosen this collection of motets, in which Josquin’s music can be heard in all its glory, according to Daniel Reuss.
