Josquin des Prez - Josquin Masses - Missa Hercules Dux Ferrarie, Missa D'ung aultre amer & Missa Faysant regretz (LP)

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Renaissance polyphony with Josquin des Prez's exquisite mass settings, meticulously performed by The Tallis Scholars under the direction of Peter Phillips. Released on the prestigious Gimell label, this album presents three of Josquin's most celebrated masses: the intricate and innovative "Missa Hercules Dux Ferrarie," the homage-filled "Missa D'ung aultre amer," and the contrapuntally rich "Missa Faysant regretz."

Spanning a little over an hour, this album offers a profound exploration of Josquin's masterful compositional techniques and his enduring influence on Western music. The "Missa Hercules Dux Ferrarie" showcases Josquin's ingenuity, with its complex canonic writing and clever use of motifs, while the "Missa D'ung aultre amer" pays tribute to his teacher, Johannes Ockeghem, through its incorporation of Ockeghem's secular song. The "Missa Faysant regretz," meanwhile, demonstrates Josquin's skill in crafting intricate, yet accessible, polyphony.

Recorded with the characteristic clarity and warmth that Gimell is known for, this album allows listeners to fully appreciate the subtleties and nuances of Josquin's writing. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. With its blend of technical virtuosity, spiritual depth, and sheer musical beauty, this collection of Josquin masses is an essential addition to any classical music library.