Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

Odhecaton is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Renaissance and Baroque music. The group was founded in 1998 by Paolo Da Col, a musicologist and conductor from Italy. Since its inception, Odhecaton has become one of the most respected and acclaimed early music ensembles in the world. Paolo Da Col was born in Venice, Italy in 1964. He grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. He studied musicology at the University of Padua and later earned a degree in conducting from the Conservatory of Venice. After completing his studies, Da Col worked as a conductor and musicologist in Italy and abroad. In 1998, Da Col founded Odhecaton with the goal of exploring and performing early music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble takes its name from the first printed book of polyphonic music, which was published in Venice in 1501. The book, titled "Odhecaton A," contained 96 pieces of music by various composers, including Josquin des Prez and Heinrich Isaac. Odhecaton's debut performance took place in Venice in 1998. The ensemble's first album, "Josquin Desprez: Missa Pange Lingua," was released the following year and received critical acclaim. The album featured a mass by Josquin des Prez, a prominent composer of the Renaissance period. Over the years, Odhecaton has performed at major music festivals and concert halls around the world. The ensemble has collaborated with renowned musicians and conductors, including Jordi Savall, Giovanni Antonini, and Fabio Biondi. In 2015, Odhecaton performed at the prestigious Salzburg Festival in Austria, where they received a standing ovation. Odhecaton has released several albums over the years, including "Cipriano de Rore: I madrigali a cinque voci" (2005), "Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli" (2010), and "Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine" (2016). The ensemble's recordings have received numerous awards and accolades, including the Diapason d'Or, the Choc de Classica, and the Gramophone Award. One of Odhecaton's most notable performances was their rendition of Claudio Monteverdi's "Vespro della Beata Vergine" at the Salzburg Festival in 2015. The piece, also known as the "Vespers of 1610," is a monumental work of sacred music that is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of the Baroque era. Odhecaton's performance was praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. In addition to their performances and recordings, Odhecaton is also committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for young musicians and has worked with schools and community organizations to promote early music. Odhecaton's success and acclaim are a testament to their dedication to preserving and promoting early music. Through their performances, recordings, and educational initiatives, the ensemble has become a leading voice in the world of classical music.

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