Magnum opus musicum 1604

The sacred works of Orlandus Lassus (1532–1594) were celebrated in their time, and ten years after his death his sons Ferdinand and Rudolph published his 516 motets in a commemorative volume entitled Magnum opus musicum.

Lassus was known as a master of the musical realisation of texts, and this ability was celebrated in his motets and psalms more than in any other genre. His contemporary biographer Samuel Quickelberg wrote that Lassus expressed “the power of individual feeling” and managed to bring his themes “almost vividly before the eyes” of the listener. This programme brings to life the sumptuous sounds of the Munich court orchestra of Lassus’ day.

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Catherine Motuz – direction

Federico Sepúlveda – direction

Frithjof Smith – direction

Co-operation with the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis
Martinskirche, Basel