Composer

:

Johannes Ockeghem

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mass

Compose Date

:

ca. 1470 - 1480

Average_duration

:

34:56

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Johannes Ockeghem's 'Missa De plus en plus' is a masterpiece of Renaissance polyphony. It is believed to have been composed in the late 15th century, during Ockeghem's tenure as a singer and composer at the French court. The mass is written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is structured in the traditional Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei movements. The 'Missa De plus en plus' is characterized by its intricate polyphonic textures, which showcase Ockeghem's mastery of counterpoint. The voices weave in and out of each other, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both complex and harmonically satisfying. The mass also features a number of musical devices that were popular in the Renaissance, such as canons, imitation, and melodic inversion. The Kyrie movement of the 'Missa De plus en plus' is particularly noteworthy for its use of a canon between the alto and tenor voices. The Gloria movement is also notable for its use of imitation, with the voices taking turns singing the text in a call-and-response fashion. The Credo movement features a number of melodic inversions, where the voices sing the same melody but in reverse order. Overall, the 'Missa De plus en plus' is a stunning example of Renaissance polyphony. Its intricate textures and complex harmonies make it a challenging work for performers, but also a rewarding one for those who take the time to study and appreciate its beauty. The mass premiered during Ockeghem's lifetime, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the composer's skill and artistry.

More....