Missa Ecce ancilla Domini
Religious music by Guillaume Du Fay
The Franco-Flemish polyphonist Guillaume Du Fay (1397-1474) was one of the key figures of his time. Brought up as a choirboy at Cambrai Cathedral, he spent most of his career in the service of the same cathedral but also travelled throughout Europe.
Du Fay was known for his devotion to the Virgin Mary. His Missa Ecce ancilla Domini, one of the most beautiful masses of his late period, is musical proof of this. The composer weaves two well-known Gregorian melodies into this mass. The texts are taken from the Gospel of Luke and describe the Annunciation when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary with the news that she will give birth to the Son of God.
Ecce ancilla Domini, fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum:
"Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word".
With music by Guillaume Du Fay and Antoine Busnois.
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artistic direction Tim Braithwaite with Cappella Pratensis photo Hans Morren
