Louis Le Prince was a maître de chapelle (chapel master) at the Cathedral of Lisieux in Basse-Normandie when his Mass was published in 1663.
Compositional Technique
The Mass's contrapuntal writing gives it a spirited and festive character, while its G minor key provides a 'serious and magnificent' air, as described by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.
Compositional Technique
The Mass's title, 'Macula non est in te' ('there is no stain in thee'), refers to the Immaculate Conception, making it a homage to the Virgin Mary.
Interpretation
Hervé Niquet, the conductor, reconstructed this Office around Le Prince's Mass, using only female voices and instruments available in Le Prince's chapel, as was common in the Baroque era.
Historical Context
Le Prince's Mass was composed during the reign of the young Louis XIV, who actively promoted music as a means to strengthen his image and power.
Recording & Production
The score of Le Prince's Mass was prepared by the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles for this recording.
Composer Biography
Louis Le Prince's Missa Macula non est in te is the only surviving work by this French composer, who was active in the mid-17th century.
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