Johannes Ockeghem: Complete Songs, Vol. 1

Featuring

Scott Metcalfe
Laura Jeppesen
Blue Heron
Johannes Ockeghem
Anonymous (15th century)
Jacobus Barbireau

Anonymous (late 15th century)

Did you know?

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Compositional Technique

Ockeghem's chanson 'Ma maistresse' was cited by the theorist Johannes Tinctoris as a model of 'varietas' due to its masterful and fluid use of melodic imitation.

Critical Reception

For much of the 20th century, Ockeghem's reputation focused on his Masses, with his motets and chansons receiving less attention until later publications.

Interpretation

Blue Heron attempts to pronounce the French in these songs as a professional French singer of the mid to late 15th century might have, based on historical linguistic studies.

Composer Biography

Johannes Ockeghem, a composer from Hainaut, served in the French royal chapel for over 45 years, mostly as master of the chapel.

Compositional Technique

Ockeghem's 'S'elle m'amera / Petite camusecte' is a subtle example of a combinative chanson, juxtaposing courtly love poetry with a popular song text.