Nu sijt willecome… Keizer Karel! — A Burgundian Christmas in Den Bosch
From 20 December 2024 to 22 December 2024/ Netherlands / Breda, 's-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg
On 4 December 1545, Charles V arrived in 's-Hertogenbosch for one of his visits. He departed on 28 December to reach Utrecht, where a chapter of the Order of the Golden Fleece was scheduled to take place. Founded in 1430 by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, this prestigious chivalric order symbolised wealth and loyalty. For the 'Burgundians', it served as a means to consolidate power, foster loyalty among nobility, and enhance the dynasty's grandeur. For the fourth and final time, Keizer Karel presided as Grandmaster over a chapter of the Golden Fleece, featuring opulent banquets, imposing processions, and sumptuous ceremonies designed to impress attendees, including the Knights of the Order, which counted the kings of England and France (Henry VIII and Francis I) among its members. Throughout the preparations for this momentous event, the emperor and his court resided in 's-Hertogenbosch. Based on historical documents from the city archives and the archive of the Zwanenbroeders, we know that the Imperial Chapel of singers and composers participated in the musical performances accompanying the Christmas services at Sint Jan’s Cathedral.
With this program, we continue our award-winning exploration of the rich musical heritage of the Zwanenbroeders of Den Bosch, connecting it to a very specific event that held enormous importance for the City. The music selected will primarily come from the extensive repertoire of both chant and polyphony well-documented in our beloved Zwanenbroeders manuscript choirbooks. Additionally, we will include some repertoire that the Imperial chapel likely travelled with and performed while accompanying Charles V. A Motet by the imperial maitre de chapelle Cornelius Canis will complement music from the Den Bosch Choirbooks, such as Jheronimus Vinders’ Missa Fit porta Christi pervia. Furthermore, other delightful compositions, like the Christmas song Nu sijt willecome (still a Christmas favourite today!), will transport us to the magical sounds of a late medieval Christmas in 's-Hertogenbosch.
With this program, we continue our award-winning exploration of the rich musical heritage of the Zwanenbroeders of Den Bosch, connecting it to a very specific event that held enormous importance for the City. The music selected will primarily come from the extensive repertoire of both chant and polyphony well-documented in our beloved Zwanenbroeders manuscript choirbooks. Additionally, we will include some repertoire that the Imperial chapel likely travelled with and performed while accompanying Charles V. A Motet by the imperial maitre de chapelle Cornelius Canis will complement music from the Den Bosch Choirbooks, such as Jheronimus Vinders’ Missa Fit porta Christi pervia. Furthermore, other delightful compositions, like the Christmas song Nu sijt willecome (still a Christmas favourite today!), will transport us to the magical sounds of a late medieval Christmas in 's-Hertogenbosch.
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