Missa O bone Jesu
Robert Fayrfax
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The English connections of music copyist and entrepreneur Pierre Alamire (ca. 1470-1536) were not limited to espionage missions for Henry VIII, but also brought him into contact with the music played at court.
One of the most productive court composers of his time was Robert Fayrfax (1464-1521), who was connected to the Chapel Royal. The only continental manuscript containing work by Fayrfax was created at the Alamire workshop and is currently located in the Jena University Library.
The Tallis Scholars demonstrate their many years of experience in polyphonic music by means of a programme in which parts of Missa O bone Jesu alternate with motets by Thomas Tallis (ca.1505-1585), Robert White (ca. 1538-1574) and William Byrd (ca. 1540-1623), who were very fashionable in 16th-century England during the reign of Henry VIII and Elisabeth I.
Voices of Passion – autumn 2021
A multi-vocal anniversary
2021 is an anniversary year for polyphony. The Alamire Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021. As centre of excellence at KU Leuven and creative ambassador of the City of Leuven, the Foundation has invested in research and valorisation of Gregorian chant and polyphony from the Low Countries since 1991. 30CC and Alamire have intensely and happily worked together for 30 years to let this unique heritage be heard in churches and abbeys.
After the opening concert of the festival with English music from one of Pierre Alamire’s manuscripts, the focus shifts to the second half of the 16th century. In 1521, Philippe de Monte was born in Mechelen, where he was probably educated as a choir boy in St Rumbold's Cathedral. His flourishing career brought him to Italy, England, Vienna and Prague, where he died in 1603. He was one of the most productive composers of his time, with no less than 1200 madrigals, 300 motets and 40 masses.
Voices of Passion seizes the opportunity to give this lesser-known master the attention he deserves.
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artistic direction Peter Philips photo Nick Rutter
