Stabat Mater

Featuring

Giuseppe Maletto
Laura Fabris
Gianluca Ferrarini
Marco Scavazza
Massimo Altieri
Matteo Bellotto

Cantica Symphonia
Josquin des Prez

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Composition History

More than half of Josquin Desprez's existing motets are for Marian usage, a repertoire typically linked to the Church of Rome.

Historical Context

The period in which Josquin Desprez lived (c. 1450-1521) almost exactly coincides with that of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), and both were considered preeminent in their respective arts by contemporaries.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Martin Luther famously remarked that Josquin Desprez was 'the master of the notes: they must do as he wishes, whilst with other composers, they must obey what the notes demand.'

Critical Reception

Baldassarre Castiglione, in his celebrated work 'Il Cortegiano,' noted that a motet by Josquin Desprez was not valued until its composer was known, highlighting the importance of a 'signature sound' even then.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Theoretician Heinrich Glarean, in his 1547 treatise 'Dodecachordon,' praised Josquin Desprez for his unparalleled ability to express the passions of the soul through music and develop ideas felicitously.

Recording & Production

This album's tracks were recorded at three different venues in Italy: Cumiana (Turin), Malo (Vicenza), and Roletto (Turin), between August 2018 and June 2020.

Composer Biography

Josquin Desprez, the composer, was a singer and composer with much experience by his fifties, having been a member of chapels for René d'Anjou, Louis XI, and the Papal Chapel in Rome.