De Lassus: Canticum canticorum

Immerse yourself in the sacred and sensual world of Orlande de Lassus with this captivating exploration of his motets and masses. Recorded in 2016, this album presents a collection of works that showcase the composer's unparalleled mastery of Renaissance polyphony, blending the sacred and the secular in a way that was revolutionary for his time. The album features a selection of motets based on texts from the Song of Songs, or Canticum canticorum, which Lassus sets with a sensitivity and nuance that brings out the erotic and spiritual dimensions of the text. The album also includes a complete mass, the Missa super Susanne un jour, which demonstrates Lassus's ability to weave complex polyphonic textures with a sense of drama and intensity.

Orlande de Lassus was one of the most prolific and versatile composers of the Renaissance, with a output that spans over 2000 works in five different languages. His music is known for its technical virtuosity, its expressive range, and its ability to blend different musical styles and influences. This album offers a glimpse into the rich and varied world of Lassus's music, and is sure to delight fans of Renaissance choral music. The performances are led by the renowned conductor Leonardo García Alarcón and feature the Chœur de Chambre de Namur, who bring a sense of energy and vitality to these timeless works. With a running time of just over an hour, this album is the perfect introduction to the music of Orlande de Lassus, and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the great composers of the Renaissance.