La Rue: Missa De Feria, Missa Sancta Dei genitrix

CD Details

Pierre de La Rue was a prolific Renaissance composer whose works showcase intricate imitation and a distinctive use of lower vocal registers. Gothic Voices, led by Dr. Page, ventures into La Rue’s sacred music with this 2011 recording, stepping forward a century from their usual repertoire. The disc features two of his finest Masses-the Missa De Feria and Missa Sancta Dei genitrix-alongside the large-scale motet Pater de celis Deus, a work built on three-part, six-voice canon and rich counterpoint. Three additional motets round out the program, performed as lute intabulations in editions specially prepared for this release by Christopher Wilson.

This CD contains roughly 68 minutes of music performed by Gothic Voices and released on the Hyperion label. The program spans from the opening Missa De Feria through Regina Celi and concludes with Salve Regina, offering a comprehensive look at La Rue’s compositional voice. Acquire this used copy and explore Renaissance polyphony at a fraction of retail cost.