Composer

:

Robert Fayrfax

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mass

Average_duration

:

40:19

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Robert Fayrfax was an English composer who lived from 1464 to 1521. He was a member of the Chapel Royal and was known for his sacred choral music. One of his most famous works is the 'Missa Regali ex Progenie', which was composed in the early 16th century. The 'Missa Regali ex Progenie' is a six-part mass that was written for the Feast of the Epiphany. It is believed to have been composed around 1504-1505. The mass was likely premiered at the Chapel Royal, where Fayrfax was a member. The mass is divided into six movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. Each movement is written for six voices, with two sopranos, two altos, and two tenors. The bass part is left untexted, which was a common practice in English choral music of the time. The 'Missa Regali ex Progenie' is characterized by its rich harmonies and intricate polyphony. Fayrfax was known for his use of dissonance and chromaticism, which can be heard throughout the mass. The mass also features a number of musical devices, such as imitation and canon, which add to its complexity. One of the most notable features of the 'Missa Regali ex Progenie' is its use of plainchant. Fayrfax incorporates plainchant melodies into the mass, which he then develops and elaborates upon. This was a common practice in English choral music of the time, and it adds to the mass's sense of continuity and unity. Overall, the 'Missa Regali ex Progenie' is a masterpiece of English choral music. Its rich harmonies, intricate polyphony, and use of plainchant make it a testament to Fayrfax's skill as a composer. It remains a popular work among choral ensembles today, and it continues to be performed and studied by music scholars around the world.

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