The opening of the final chorus of Handel's "L'Allegro" seemed awfully familiar last night during rehearsal... turns out it's the same opening as the chorale tune "Jesu meine Freude"! If you want to hear it, come to Handel and Haydn Society's concerts on Friday and Sunday (and hit me up if you want a discount/comp ticket)!
Salamone Rossi: Sonata quarta sopra l'aria die Ruggiero
I have a very nerdy obsession with variations on a ground, and this boisterous set by Salamone Rossi was a perfect way to start the week. Sending gratitude to all my Jewish friends, and may your fast be easy.
Hildegard's cookies of joy
Did you know Hildegard von Bingen made cookies?! For happiness?! Tasting History makes an appearance on #EarlyMusicMonday to talk about medieval cookies and Hildegard!
Imitation Masses
Copying another composer's work was generally frowned upon... unless you were writing a mass setting! Early Music Sources walks through the compositional techniques used to create an imitation mass, whether the chosen subject was suitable for church or not!
Brumel's Requiem
Brumel's Earthquake Mass wasn't his only hit! His setting of the requiem mass (for 4 voices) is GORGEOUS! Here's the Sanctus movement, but be sure to listen to the others as well!
Antoine Brumel
Last week's post was about Brumel's Earthquake Mass - this week let's talk a little more about Antoine Brumel!
Brumel: Earthquake Mass
Brumel's Missa et ecce terrae motus (or "earthquake mass") was so famous in its day that the extant source is a set of part books made by Lassus in 1570, long after Brumel died. Also it's really cool. The link is for the Gloria, but listen to the whole piece if you have the time!
Bach: O Lamm Gottes
Does your week need some Bach? (of course it does). Here you go!
Frei Jacinto do Sacramento
Looking for some fresh 18th-century keyboard repertoire? Check out this piece (and other works) by Frei Jacinto do Sacramento, a Portuguese monk, composer, and keyboardist!
Arcadelt: Il bianco e dolce cigno
Here's a moment of beauty for a summer Monday: Arcadelt's "Il bianco e dolce cigno" (rough translation: the beautiful swan sings and dies fulfilled, and I die happy, also fulfilled, and would be happy to die a thousand times). One of the most popular madrigals of its time!