This generous album, a well thought-out programme built with intelligence and sensitivity around two balanced halves, contains much more than the Missa pro defunctis by Johannes Prioris (c. 1460-1512/1514). The first part, entitled Vita, introduces the listener to beautiful motets in honour of the Virgin Mary; the second, Mors, is devoted to the Requiem.

Both halves of the CD feature vocal works in alternation with contemporaneous organ pieces by the likes of Hans Kotter, Bonifacius Amerbach, and Arnolt Schlick; also included are arrangements of motets – those of Prioris in particular – published by Pierre Attaingnant. Joris Verdin obviously has a feeling for early sixteenth century instrumental music, and gives an accurate rendition of a repertoire approached by too few organists. The long compositions by Jacobus Buus (Recercar terzo) and Schlick (Da pacem) heard at the conclusion of each half are especially remarkable. The organ works interspersed with the sections of the Requiem, such as Pierre de La Rue’s O vos omnes, act as an extension and reflection of the atmosphere created by the Capilla Flamenca singers.

The ensemble, made up of four male voices with an admirably unified sound, truly inhabits the music: the Introitus and the profoundly contemplative Agnus Dei stand out. Other high points include the over-arching phrases and the gorgeous bass sounds in Dei genitrix. 

The originality of the programme and the beauty of the performance make this a record that should not be missed! VÉRONIQUE LAFARGUE