The Alchemist

In this second part of the three-part project "Lassus: The Alchemist," the Ensemble Magnificat explores the motet-based Magnificats of the composer. It is remarkable that of Lassus' thirty-five polyphonic Maria hymns, only eight draw musical inspiration from motets. But even though the number of these Magnificats is relatively small, their musical quality and effect are excellent. Whether it is Praeter rerum seriem, in which he expands the motet by Josquin into a massive Magnificat of 250 measures, or Aurora lucis rutilat, in which he transforms his own Easter motet into a jubilant musical celebration, these works are examples of some of Lassus' finest compositional achievements. Inspired by the abundant musical sources of the ducal chapel in Munich, where Lassus worked from 1557 until his death in 1594, this album brings voices and instruments together in various combinations, which contributes to the richness and variation of the scores.