Josquin des Prez

French or Franco-Flemish Renaissance composer Josquin Lebloitte dit des Prez was born in the French speaking area of Flanders sometime around 1450-1455. Little is known about the beginning of his life, but it's thought that he may have been taught by Johannes Ockeghem.

His output includes the widely admired Missa de Beata Virgine and Missa Pange lingua.

Josquin des Prez died in Condé-sur-l'Escaut in Northern France on 27 August 1521 and became the first Western composer to achieve posthumous fame.

 

A selection of articles about Josquin des Prez

Spotlight. Creating out of Nothing - Gerald Fenech recommends polyphony from the Belgian ensemble Graindelavoix. '... compelling ardour and moving beauty ...'

Classical music news - Mascagni a Cerignola - Announcing the world's first 'eye music' opera

Ensemble. Particularly Striking - Mike Wheeler listens to the Richard Roddis Singers, performing for the first time in over two years

Ensemble. Everything you know is wrong! - Mike Wheeler listens to The Sixteen in Derby

Ensemble. The Seven Year Itch - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Chigiana International Festival and Summer Academy

Ensemble. An Outstanding Example - Co-operation between the Sitwell Singers and Derby Chamber Music, featuring music by John Tavener, Bruckner and Beethoven, impresses Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Smash Hit - Music for Advent from choir and saxophone, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully shaped in both the renaissance and contemporary repertoire ...'

CD Spotlight. Revealing Light - Early music for mezzo and viols, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are quintessentially flawless ...'

CD Spotlight. Shimmering Performances - Jean Richafort's Requiem, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... worthy of the most scrupulous investigation.'

Ensemble. Expressive Power - Malcolm Miller listens to The Sixteen's 'The Earth Resounds'

CD Spotlight. Apt Comment - Music following the career of Joan of Arc, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a finely presented musical book.'

CD Spotlight. Great Fluency - Music by Pierre Moulu, heard by George Balcombe. '... magically moving individual lines and harmonies.'

CD Spotlight. Motet and Lauda - Cantica Symphonia sing sixteenth century motets, and impress George Balcombe. '... so gentle yet precise ...'