Search - Josquin Desprez, Mark Duer, Kurt-Owen Richards :: Missa Hercules Dux Ferrarie / Motets / Chansons

Simply the best Josquin yet

Daniel Forst | Southfield, MI United States | 07/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been said that America is something of a cultural backwater as far as classical (early) music is concerned. Well, hats off to Pomerium, this is one of the finest early music releases to come out of North America. And just in time, since many recent Josquin recordings are starting to sound much the same. Firstly, Pomerium's choice of repertoire is outstanding. The CD is a sampler of sorts, but I like the fact that a full mass is included (one of Josquin's best, up there with l'homme arme and Pange lingua; this is the only way to really appreciate a composition like this - just try judging Mendelssohn's E minor by the second movement alone...), instead of a collection of bits and pieces (such as 'une messe imaginaire' - A Sei Voci, and many others). Equally important are the interpretations. The mass is simply the best there is to be found, and the chansons do not lag far behind (I do recommend in addition, however, Josquin's chansons by ensemble Clement Janequin...). The motets are stunning, solid performances (though Herreweghe is still the undisputed master of this genre). Less important but nevertheless significant are the liner notes - concise and professional, a pleasure to read.
All in all, this is some outstanding Josquin, the best you can buy nowadays. Highly recommended."