Antoine de Févin, the composer of the Requiem on this album, was the director of the King's Chapel until his death in 1512.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The art of Antoine de Févin, described by theorist Glarean as a "felicitous imitator of Josquin Desprez," blends 15th-century writing with the new style of the Renaissance.
Composition History
King Louis XII, Anne of Brittany's husband, honored her with exceptional funeral ceremonies lasting forty days, which cemented her image as Queen of France and Duchess of Brittany.
Historical Context
The precise ceremonial details of Anne of Brittany's funeral are preserved in a manuscript by her herald of arms, Pierre Choque, titled 'Commémorations et advertissement de la mort d'Anne de Bretagne'.
Historical Context
Anne of Brittany, for whom this Requiem was likely performed, was twice Queen of France and remains a popular figure, especially in Brittany, where she symbolizes the union of France and Brittany.
Compositional Technique
Févin's Requiem deviates from the Roman Rite, following the Parisian liturgy, notably by omitting the Dies irae sequence.
Recording & Production
The artistic director, Denis Raisin Dadre, included Breton folk songs (gwerzioù) by Yann-Fañch Kemener to represent the silent sorrow of the Breton people at the loss of their duchess.
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