Gombert: Masses & Motets

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Renaissance polyphony with Nicolas Gombert's "Gombert: Masses & Motets," a monumental collection that showcases the composer's mastery of vocal composition. Released in 2021, this album spans an impressive three hours and forty-three minutes, featuring thirty-four tracks that highlight Gombert's intricate and expressive musical style.

Nicolas Gombert, active in the early 16th century, was renowned for his complex and beautifully woven vocal works. This album presents a comprehensive selection of his masses and motets, performed with precision and passion by The Sound and the Fury, Austria's leading male vocal ensemble. The collection includes two complete masses, "Missa 'Quam pulchra es'" and "Missa 'Sur tous regretz'," each demonstrating Gombert's unique approach to polyphony and his ability to create deeply moving musical narratives.

In addition to the masses, the album features a diverse array of motets that span a range of themes and moods. From the serene and contemplative "Ave Maria" to the dramatic and expressive "Stabat autem Petrus," each piece offers a glimpse into Gombert's artistic vision and his enduring influence on Renaissance music. The motets also include settings of liturgical texts and devotional hymns, providing a rich and varied listening experience.

The album is released under the Fra Bernardo label, known for its commitment to high-quality recordings of early music. The performances on "Gombert: Masses & Motets" are marked by their clarity, balance, and attention to historical detail, making this album an essential addition to any fan of Renaissance choral music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of early music or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.

Nicolas Gombert, a prominent Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance, stands as a pivotal figure between the legendary Josquin des Prez and the esteemed Palestrina. Born around 1495, Gombert's intricate and fully developed polyphonic style epitomises the musical complexity of his era. His extensive repertoire includes eleven Masses, eight Magnificat settings, and over 160 motets, showcasing his mastery of choral composition. Gombert's career flourished under the patronage of Emperor Charles V, for whom he composed music for state occasions, although he later fell from favour and was dismissed from the imperial court chapel. His works, characterised by their assured style and innovative elements, continue to captivate audiences and scholars alike, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential composers of his time.