Missa Maria Zart

Cappella Pratensis is interpreting one of Jacob Obrecht’s absolute masterpieces. His unique composition titled Missa Maria Zart is not just the longest but also the most exuberant mass from the Renaissance.

During his restless life, famous polyphonic composer Jacob Obrecht (1457-1505) crossed the Alps several times to reach the court of art-loving Ercole I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara. With his virtuoso Missa Maria Zart (Mass for the tender Virgin Mary), Obrecht composed one of the longest masses to date.
Cappella Pratensis distinguishes itself through singing on the basis of the original notation. Since this mass has only been preserved in a set of printed partbooks, the ensemble and Alamire Foundation have created a new handwritten choirbook with which they are touring Flanders as well as the United States.

Voices of Passion – spring 2022

Polyphonic gems from the Renaissance

Leuven and polyphony have since long been closely connected. The music that could be heard in the city at the time of the Flemish Primitives now once again resounds in harmony with the architecture of Park abbey church in Heverlee.

In the gatehouses on the abbey site, where the House of Polyphony and the Library of Voices are housed, the Alamire Foundation conducts research into the music from the Low Countries. During the festival, experienced musicians and young performers put the results of this research into practice and bring the musical heritage of hundreds of years ago to a contemporary audience.

Just like the Franco-Flemish polyphonists who played a leading role in their age, these ensembles feature prominently on the European concert stage. Voices of Passion presents not only marvellous music from the Low Countries, but also polyphonic masterpieces composed in Rome, Naples, London and Vienna.

More info

www.cappellapratensis.nl

artistic direction Stratton Bull photo  Hans Morren