The richly sensual choral music of Renaissance master Orlande de Lassus provides a stunning centrepiece to The Sixteen's 2024 pilgrimage programme. Music that speaks of love earthly and divine, his motets, masses and madrigals were written over 300 years ago. But they still have the immediacy and intricacy to resonate with us today, especially when heard in the lofty surrounds of stunning chapels, churches and cathedrals.
Daringly designed and stitched in fine detail, they are in fact tailored from scraps of other music, whether Lassus’ own, the music of his revered predecessor Josquin or the monochrome beauty of plainchant. We will revive this imitation game by commissioning a new piece clothed in material borrowed from Lassus, and wrap it around two exquisite madrigals from Maddalena Casulana. An Italian lutenist and singer, she was the first female composer in the history of western music to have a whole book of her works printed. Something old, something new, something borrowed…
Performers
The Sixteen
Harry Christophers conductor
Programme
Plainsong
Lauda Jerusalem Dominum (Psalm 147)
Lassus
Osculetur me osculo oris sui
Casulana
Morir non puo il mio core
Lassus
Credo from Missa Osculetur me
Josquin
Benedicta es caelorum Regina
Lassus
Cantai, or piango
Lassus
Lauda Jerusalem Dominum
Interval
Chatelet
Benedicta es caelorum Regina (with si placet parts)
Lassus
Salve Regina a6
Casulana
Vagh’ amorosi augelli
Lassus
Magnificat Benedicta es caelorum Regina
Bob Chilcott
Lauda Jerusalem Dominum (parody on Cantai, or piango)