Composer

:

Johannes Ockeghem

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mass

Average_duration

:

6:35

Johannes Ockeghem's 'Missa Ma maistresse' is a polyphonic mass composed in the late 15th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1460 and 1495. The mass is written for four voices, with the tenor voice carrying the cantus firmus, a pre-existing melody that serves as the basis for the composition. The 'Missa Ma maistresse' is divided into six movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei I, and Agnus Dei II. Each movement is characterized by Ockeghem's use of complex polyphony, with each voice weaving in and out of the others to create a rich and intricate tapestry of sound. The use of imitation, where one voice repeats a melody introduced by another voice, is also a prominent feature of the mass. One of the most notable characteristics of the 'Missa Ma maistresse' is its use of dissonance. Ockeghem employs dissonant intervals, such as the tritone, to create tension and drama in the music. However, he also resolves these dissonances in a way that is both satisfying and musically interesting. The premiere of the 'Missa Ma maistresse' is unknown, but it is believed to have been performed in a liturgical setting, most likely in a cathedral or other religious institution. The mass was likely intended for use during the Feast of the Assumption, a major religious holiday in the Catholic Church. Overall, the 'Missa Ma maistresse' is a masterful example of Renaissance polyphony. Ockeghem's use of complex counterpoint and dissonance creates a rich and intricate musical landscape that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving. The mass remains a beloved and influential work in the canon of Western classical music.

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