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!

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!

Machaut: Ma fin est mon commencement

One of my favorite grad school memories was singing this ouroboros of a piece with one of my colleagues and getting to nerd out about how brilliant Machaut was. The notes on the video explain how the form works (reversing lines, switching parts, etc).

Johann Pachelbel

Aside from the Canon in D, what do you know about Pachelbel? He was a predecessor to Bach, taught one of J.S. Bach's older brothers, was essential to the development of the chorale prelude, and had a son who emigrated to the US!