Playing time: 67' 46"
Performers: Musica Ficta [Jolaine Kerley (soprano), Malene Nordtrop (soprano), Anne Mette Balling (soprano), Rie Koch (soprano), Ellen-Marie Christensen (alto), Birte Stokkebæk (alto), Birgitte Stougaard (alto), Palle Jensen (tenor), John Kjøller (tenor), Kim Nandfred (tenor), Ole Norup (bass), Hans Henrik Raaholt (bass), Anders Holte (bass), Torben Eskildsen (bass)] - Bo Holten, dir.
Recording site and date:
Kastelskirken, Copenhagen, Denmark [17.-19. February 1997 (on CD
box), 17.-19. January 1997 (on enclosed booklet)]
Reviewed in:
Diapason (#-p.):
Gramophone (Vol./#-p.):
Fanfare (Vol./#-p.): 21/4-206 (march/april 1998)
Comments:
Information from owned CD.
Ockeghem's Requiem is one of the most famous items in the 15th century Franco-Flemish repertory. Although the polyphony is quite restrained, and often in only two parts, it continues to make a big impact on listeners from all backgrounds. Ockeghem's Requiem is also the earliest polyphonic setting of the requiem mass to have survived, although a now-lost setting by Dufay is thought to have been written earlier.
Ockeghem is somewhat rare among composers of this era to have written his most adventurous & compelling works in the "mass" form. The Missa Prolationum is highly technical in terms of constructing, being based on strict canon, but nonetheless presents a highly interesting listening experience without regard for the technical constraints. This degree of melodic invention continues to set Ockeghem apart from his contemporaries.
This is a relatively large-scale ensemble, featuring both bass & soprano voices. The texture will correspondingly be somewhat more varied than in some Ockeghem performances.
Two classic recordings featuring these works by an all-male ensemble:
A few other recordings of the Requiem:
And a classic for the Missa Prolationum:
Another recent rendition of some of Ockeghem's most original mass cycles:
And another Naxos recording devoted to Ockeghem:
For other recordings, please see the Ockeghem discography by Pierre Roberge.
Other recordings by the present ensemble:
Finally, a recording with the similar ensemble previously led by Bo Holten, leading to a previous discography:
To purchasing information for this disc.
To FAQ references to this recording.
To FAQ CD index page.
Todd M. McComb