Messe by Modus Ensamble

In the 16th century, the Venetian school represented one of the most ingenious and influential groups of progressive composers of sacred music, including Claudio Merulo. However the sacred music of Merulus has been overlooked.
Claudio Merulo, born in Correggio in 1533 and died in Parma in 1604, served from 1557 to 1584 as organist of the Serenissima Signoria of Venetia in San Marco and from 1586 to his death, as organist of the Serenissimo Signor Duca di Parma and Piacenza. His fame, both composer and virtuoso of the organ, has been attested by the writings of numerous theorists, composers, critics and writers. Today, Merulo is best known as a composer for the organ - especially for his touches that have contributed to the development of the idiomatic keyboard style. However, he was equally productive for the composition of sacred, secular and instrumental works. The request of the time, for its sacred vocal music, is confirmed by two mass books and seven motetti books produced by the Gardano press between 1573 and 1609, as well as by numerous motetti included in the anthologies printed between 1586 and 1618 Only seven of these compositions have never been reprinted in modern editions. The masses were dedicated to the young king of France, Charles IX (1550 - 1574), the third son of Henry II and Catherine de 'Medici. The king, passionate music lover, sponsored poets and musicians and helped the poet Jean-Antoine de Baif to found the Académie de Poésie et de Musique. The untimely death of King Charles, only after a year, made Parisian musicians "orphans" of a generous patron and Merulus, perhaps, of great hope.

Tracklist

1.	Missa _Susanne Un Jour_ [Kyrie]	2:50

2.	Missa _Susanne Un Jour_ [Gloria]	4:57

3.	Missa _Susanne Un Jour_ [Credo]	8:23

4.	Missa _Susanne Un Jour_ [Sanctus-Benedictus]	3:51

5.	Missa _Susanne Un Jour_ [Agnus Dei]	2:46

6.	Missa _Oncques Amour_ [Kyrie]	3:23

7.	Missa _Oncques Amour_ [Gloria]	5:14

8.	Missa _Oncques Amour_ [Credo]	8:54

9.	Missa _Oncques Amour_ [Sanctus-Benedictus]	3:34

10.	Missa _Oncques Amour_ [Agnus Dei]	1:10

Credits

released May 15, 2020

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