Lasso: Magnum opus musicum

Featuring

Jean Tubéry
La Fenice
Chœur de chambre de Namur
Orlando di Lasso

Did you know?

1/7

Historical Context

Lassus spent the majority of his career in Munich, serving as cantor and then Kapellmeister for Archduke Albrecht V and Wilhelm V of Bavaria.

Composition History

The Magnum Opus Musicum, an anthology of several hundred motets by Lassus, was published posthumously in 1604 by his sons.

Recording & Production

This recording was made in Bolland, Saint-Apollinaire church, in September 2004 and July 2008, with Jérôme Lejeune as sound engineer and artistic director.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Lassus's letters reveal him as an alert, humorous, and financially astute individual, yet deeply committed to expressing his religious convictions and often melancholic.

Album & Artwork

The booklet's illustration features Hans Mielich's 'La Chapelle musicale de Bavière,' depicting Roland de Lassus playing the spinet amidst musicians.

Compositional Technique

The pieces titled Cantiones sine textu are two-part instrumental works, believed to be Lassus's only known instrumental compositions.

Composer Biography

Orlando di Lasso, born in Mons, completed his training in Italy, becoming maestro di cappella at San Giovanni di Laterano in Rome by his early twenties.