Crescendo: Optime Pastor

Crescendo Presents Early Polyphony for Low Voices from Ockeghem to Palestrina

Crescendo Low-Voice Vocal Ensemble, with Rachel Begley, dulzian, directed by Christine Gevert, performs on Sunday, February 4 at 4:00pm in the Saint James Place Sanctuary Space.

The Renaissance is considered the Golden Era of vocal music. The evolution of polyphonic music started in the early 15th century in the lowlands. Franco-Flemish composer and singer Johannes Ockeghem and contemporaries, such as Heinrich Isaac, were succeeded by Josquin des Prez, the greatest innovator in the technique of melodic imitation between voices. Polyphony spread in Western Europe, and English composers John Taverner and, later, Thomas Tallis, excelled in this style. In Italy, the polyphonic style reached its culmination with Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. This program features sacred four- to six-voice works by these composers.

Tickets: General: $40; Premium: $75; Student: $10.