Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Renaissance polyphony with Jacquet of Mantua's "Missa Surge Petre & Motets." This album, released in 2015 under the Hyperion label, showcases the intricate and lush compositions of Jacquet of Mantua, a composer whose works have remained largely unedited until now. The centerpiece of this collection is the "Missa Surge Petre," a parody mass meticulously edited for this recording, accompanied by its linked motet and other sacred works.
The Brabant Ensemble, under the skilled direction of Stephen Rice, brings to life the six-part scoring of the "Missa Surge Petre" with remarkable clarity and precision. Each part is distinctively rendered, allowing the listener to appreciate the full depth and complexity of Jacquet of Mantua's compositional genius. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, featuring 11 tracks that include the complete mass and a selection of motets such as "Ave Maria a 3," "O vos omnes," and "O pulcherrima inter mulieres."
This recording offers a rare opportunity to explore the lesser-known works of Jacquet of Mantua, providing a valuable addition to the repertoire of Renaissance music. The Brabant Ensemble's performance is marked by its lucid articulation and expressive depth, making this album a compelling listen for both scholars and enthusiasts of early music.