This album features the first complete recording of Heinrich Isaac's Missa Misericordias Domini and four of his motets: Ave regina caelorum, Ave ancilla trinitatis, Inviolata, and Quae est ista.
Compositional Technique
Heinrich Isaac's style was noted by his contemporary Heinrich Glarean for his unique treatment of the cantus firmus and the virtuosity with which he surrounded a fixed note with agitated re-echoing activity from other voices.
Composition History
The Missa Misericordias Domini may have been composed for the Confraternita di Santa Barbara, a Florentine confraternity that included professional singers among its members.
Composer Biography
Heinrich Isaac, born in Flanders between 1450 and 1455, was known in Florence as 'Arrigo Tedesco' (Arrigo the German).
Recording & Production
The recording was made with a single pair of microphones to achieve a natural sound mix, avoiding artificial construction.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Lorenzo de' Medici described Heinrich Isaac's compositions as having great variety and wealth, ranging from 'grave and sweet' to 'capricious and ingenious'.
Composer Biography
Unlike many of his colleagues, Heinrich Isaac was a layman and was married to a Florentine woman named Bartolomea Bello.
You might also enjoy...
Pepping, E.: Missa Dona Nobis Pacem / Jesus Und Nikodemus / Ein Jegliches Hat Seine Zeit / Uns Ist Ein Kind Geboren
The Eton Choirbook
Music From The Time Of Christian Iv: Church Music at Court and in Town
