'La Messe Nostre-Dame' was the first complete mass where the entire Ordinary was set to music, an accomplishment not repeated until around 1430 by Arnold de Lantins and Guillaume Dufay.
Performer Biography
Joseph Sage, a countertenor on this recording, possesses a vocal range of more than three octaves, allowing him to perform an exceptionally large repertoire from early polyphony to contemporary music.
Composer Biography
Guillaume de Machaut, born around 1300 in Champagne, traveled Europe as secretary to John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, before serving other royalty and becoming canon of Rheims Cathedral.
Compositional Technique
The notation technique in 'La Messe Nostre-Dame' uses 'hocket,' a device where phrases are broken by rests, and when one part is silent, another fills the gap.
Performer Biography
Philippe Matharel, who plays the cornet on this album, discovered his love for the instrument at age 25 and was a co-founder of 'Les saqueboutiers de Toulouse' in 1976.
Recording & Production
This album is part of 'The Originals' series by Edelweiss Emission, which reissues outstanding recordings made in venues with excellent acoustics across Europe.
Composition History
Guillaume de Machaut's 'Messe Nostre-Dame' is considered one of the most exceptional works of Medieval music and was the earliest polyphonic mass setting by a single composer.
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