Adriaen Willaert

Adriano 6

Dionysos Now!

Label: Evil Penguin
Format: CD
Barcode: 0608917726220

Catalog number: EPRC 0075
Releasedate: 04-04-25

- Sixth volume of the commendable series devoted by Dionysos Now! to the figure of Adrian Willaert
- The centerpiece of this recording is the Missa Laudate Deum, a so-called parody mass based on Johannes Mouton’s motet
- This remarkable mass showcases Willaert’s masterful command of polyphony and serves as an homage to his mentor.
- In addition to the mass, the album features a selection of Willaert’s madrigals and motets.
- These dramatic madrigals highlight Willaert’s sensitivity to text interpretation and his contribution to new musical forms

The album Adriano 6 by Dionysos Now! pays tribute to Adriaen Willaert (1490–1562). The centerpiece of this recording is the Missa Laudate Deum, a so-called parody mass based on Johannes Mouton’s motet of the same name. This remarkable mass showcases Willaert’s masterful command of polyphony and serves as an homage to his mentor. The Missa Laudate Deum comes from the rare Liber quinque missarum (1536), a collection of five masses where Willaert demonstrates his refined continuation of the Parisian School. By integrating Mouton’s hymn of praise with his own innovations, Willaert created a masterpiece that remains a milestone in the history of mass composition.

In addition to the mass, the album features a selection of Willaert’s madrigals and motets. Works like Qual dolcezza gamai and Amor mi fa morire reveal his ability to merge expressive text with intricate music. Inspired by poets such as Dragonetto Bonifacio, these dramatic madrigals highlight Willaert’s sensitivity to text interpretation and his contribution to new musical forms. Motets like Videns Dominus and Ecce Dominus veniet stand out for their profound emotion and technical brilliance.