Motets

Alexander Utendal and Philipus de Monte

Capilla Flamenca, Oltremontano Antwerpen, Bart Demuyt - Conductor

During the De Monte Year, Capilla Flamenca and the wind instrument ensemble Oltremontano (at the initiative of and conducted by Bart Demuyt) released a cd with motets by two Flemish masters who were predominantly employed by the Habsburg courts. Philippus de Monte was Court Chapel Master in Vienna and Prague and Alexander Utendal became Vice Court Chapel Master of Archduke Ferdinand of Tirol, brother to the Emperor Maximilian.

In music history, these composers are often overshadowed by Orlandus Lassus, however, when you listen closely to this recording, you will find that each of them set themselves apart in their own right. The artists deliberately created a grand performance with wind instruments and vocalists. The impressive cry of agony in Utendal’s Adesto dolori meo, with chromatic lines, is very dramatic.

Interestingly, this cd also contains four motets in video format: a reminiscence of a past collaboration of the Catholic University of Louvain, Musica, the Bruges Concert Hall and the Flemish Community.