Pierre De La Rue Missae

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and hauntingly beautiful world of Pierre de la Rue with the album "Pierre De La Rue Missae." This exquisite collection of choral works, performed by the University of New Hampshire Chamber Singers under the direction of William Kempster, offers a profound exploration of medieval and requiem genres. Released on December 7, 2023, under the William Kempster label, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, featuring 10 tracks that include both studio and live performances of Missa Pourquoy Non and Missa Sub Tuum Praesidium.

Pierre de la Rue, a renowned composer of the Renaissance era, showcases his mastery of choral composition through these intricate and moving masses. The album begins with the solemn and introspective "Kyrie" of Missa Pourquoy Non, gradually building to the triumphant and joyous "Gloria." The "Credo" delves into the depths of faith and belief, while the "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei" offer moments of reverence and contemplation. The live performances of Missa Sub Tuum Praesidium add an additional layer of authenticity and immediacy to the album, capturing the raw power and emotion of these timeless works.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of medieval and choral music or a newcomer looking to explore the rich tapestry of Renaissance composition, "Pierre De La Rue Missae" promises a deeply enriching and spiritually uplifting experience. This album is not just a collection of tracks; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Pierre de la Rue and the timeless beauty of his music.

December 7, 2023

2023 William Kempster

About Pierre de la Rue

Pierre de la Rue, born around 1460, was a renowned Franco-Flemish composer and singer of the Renaissance, celebrated for his significant contributions to the polyphonic style that flourished in the Netherlands around 1500. A contemporary of the legendary Josquin des Prez, de la Rue's music was highly prized at the Habsburg-Burgundian court, where he served as the pre-eminent composer under Duke Philip 'the Fair' of Burgundy. His compositions, which include the influential 'Missa pro defunctis' — one of the earliest polyphonic settings of the requiem — showcase his mastery of choral and sacred music. De la Rue's work is a testament to the rich musical heritage of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, making him a pivotal figure in the history of Renaissance music.