Praetorius Michael: Ostermesse

Renaissance in the North Vol. 1 After our successful release of Advent and Christmas music by the early baroque master and Wolfenbüttel chapel master Michael Praetorius (jpc 8203755), we are now pleased to present the CD world premiere of his Easter Mass in the proven interpretive style of the WESER-RENAISSANCE ensemble of Bremen under Manfred Cordes. This reconstructed mass consists exclusively of compositions by Praetorius following the Wolfenbüttel Church Constitution of 1569. This significant composer's oeuvre did more than justice to the various requirements stipulated in this document. He was equipped for all musical circumstances and was ready with works for the changing seasons of the church year. The prefaces of his printed collections offer helpful information about desired or possible performance situations. His oeuvre reads like a compendium of Protestant church song and covers all its facets. The extant church constitution of 1569 enables us to experience an Easter Mass in the order and with the parts that it would have been celebrated during Praetorius' term as chapel master. A finely elaborated concept! And, by the way, this CD inaugurates a new series on cpo: »Renaissance in the North.« Three more CDs will present music by various composers who were active at the courts of the WESER-RENAISSANCE.