Josquin Desprez, Se congie prens

Josquin Desprez
Se congie prens
Songs in five
or six parts
by Josquin Desprez

Year 2013

Label Raumklang

Reference RK3201

Duration 76:02

Format CD (1)

In 1545, Tylman Susato published a collection in Anvers dedicated to five or six pieces by Josquin Desprez. This album revisits the quasi-totality of the songs as well as the celebrated motets, in homage to Johannes Ockeghem and Josquin Desprez.

In these musical miniatures, Desprez’s writing reveals a great complexity, but his genius makes us forget the vast array of techniques used as we listen. Constructed in cantus firmus (fixed song), the songs conceal almost all of the written voices in four, five and eight-part canon.

The courtly poetry here liberates itself from older, more regimented forms. The more concise text allows a greater clarity of speech, despite the intricacy of the vocal parts.

The general theme of these songs evokes the unfortunate love of the poet, the pain of the initially admired musician, but also the profound regrets of a society that aims to weaken its courtly and chivalrous values.