This quarter I'm studying Medieval and Renaissance music in a music history class. By far the most important composer of the 1300's was Guillaume de Machaut.
I am struck by the beauty of his Messe de Notre Dame (Mass of Our Lady), which is the only Mass he wrote.
Have a listen to the nine-fold Kyrie, using Alternatum Praxis (alternating between monophonic chant and choir). Perhaps you'll recognize the chant Kyrie, Omnipotens genitor.
4 comments:
Very good. A question: Are the "soprano" or "higher" female singers called "coloraturas"? Or is that more of a term for secular music?
I'm not sure about the history of "coloratura", but don't recall it being applied to sacred music. But this much I can tell you: those are all dudes. The highest singer is (usually) called a countertenor. For fun, look up "countertenor" on YouTube and see what pops up. Or look up "Radu Marian"; he's got a beautiful natural soprano voice (his voice never changed).
Well... I have a lot to learn, by incorrectly assuming female voice. Will look up on YouTube.
No worries, TH2. Unless one is accustomed to this kind of thing, one would logically assume a female.
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