Virga Jesse floruit by Ludwig Senfl
This one is by the redoubtable Ludwig Senfl. (We had his 'De profundis' several weeks ago.) The Sonoma Bach Choir performed Senfl’s re-imagination of Josquin’s famous 'Ave Maria' in 2014; this was the first experience that really put me on to Senfl, a composer I had not previously explored in detail.
And lo, he’s truly wonderful!—perhaps most especially in this piece. It speaks its own language: Tightly imitative, but with an astounding control of range, and with a willingness to reside at times in a magical texture which goes nowhere, simply revels in a pure state of being. The piece is a pure and utter expression of love and delight and joy and gratitude.
Have a look and/or a listen--and (as the Desiderata says and my mom loved to quote): 'Whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.'
This one is by the redoubtable Ludwig Senfl. (We had his 'De profundis' several weeks ago.) The Sonoma Bach Choir performed Senfl’s re-imagination of Josquin’s famous 'Ave Maria' in 2014; this was the first experience that really put me on to Senfl, a composer I had not previously explored in detail.
And lo, he’s truly wonderful!—perhaps most especially in this piece. It speaks its own language: Tightly imitative, but with an astounding control of range, and with a willingness to reside at times in a magical texture which goes nowhere, simply revels in a pure state of being. The piece is a pure and utter expression of love and delight and joy and gratitude.
Have a look and/or a listen--and (as the Desiderata says and my mom loved to quote): 'Whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.'