The Alamire Consort (Robert Stibler, Melinda McMahon, Paul Merrill, Emily Urquhart, and Peter Urquhart), under the direction of UNH Music faculty member Peter Urquhart, will be performing in Portsmouth, NH, in a concert of 15th and 16th c. chansons and mass movements. The concert will take place at 7 pm on Dec. 12, 2013 at the Discover Portsmouth Center, 10 Middle St., Portsmouth, NH
The Alamire Consort (cornetto, recorder, harp, sackbut, viols, and voice) will be performing works by Ockeghem and his many followers and emulators, in a program called "The Legacy of Johannes Ockeghem". The Consort will be joined by Capella Alamire, a choir of 9 singers, to perform sections of the Missa Quarti toni by Jehan Fresneau, a student of Ockeghem's.
Johannes Ockeghem (c1410-1497) was both the choirmaster and treasurer for the French royal court. He was one of the most influential composers of the 15th century, serving under three kings of France, Charles VII, Louis XI, and Charles VIII. His influence on later generations was profound, not only as a teacher, but also as an experimenter with contrapuntal techniques of canon and modal manipulation. Without Ockeghem's contribution, it is thought that "the extraordinary accomplishments of the next generation of composers, including such figures as Obrecht, La Rue and Josquin, might not have been possible" (Groves).
In this concert, the Consort will be exploring settings of Fors seulement, one of Ockeghem's most famous songs, as well as canonic settings that emanate from Ockeghem's explorations with canon. Besides Ockeghem, works by Josquin, Mouton, Brumel, and Willaert will be included. The Capella will perform three movements from a mass by Jehan Fresneau; the style of the mass is so close to that of his master Ockeghem that it raises questions about the artistic separation of the teacher and student during this period.
Tickets are $12, or $10 for Members of the Portsmouth Historical Society. To purchase tickets or become a member please call (603) 436-8433
