The detailed account of Anne de Bretagne's funeral ceremonies comes from a manuscript by Pierre Choque, her herald of arms, commissioned by Louis XII.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Févin's Requiem follows the Parisian liturgy, notably omitting the Dies irae sequence, and closely adheres to the plainchant melody, often quoting it entirely in the tenor.
Historical Context
Anne de Bretagne, Queen of France twice over, is still a popular figure in Brittany, symbolizing the union of France and Brittany, and resistance to annexation.
Historical Context
King Louis XII, Anne de Bretagne's husband, honored her with exceptional funeral ceremonies that lasted forty days.
Compositional Technique
Antoine de Févin's Missa pro defunctis, chosen for this album, is notable for its five-voice writing with two bass lines from the Sanctus onwards, creating an extraordinary depth.
Historical Context
The King's and Queen's chapels, which included top European musicians like Jean Mouton and Antoine de Févin, merged after Anne de Bretagne's death, forming the largest chapel choir in Europe under François I.
Composition History
During royal funerals, it was customary for both plainchant and polyphonic 'musique faicte' to be performed by the royal chapel musicians.
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