Despite his vast output (105 masses, over 250 motets), Giovanni de Palestrina (c. 1525 1594) maintained an extraordinary level of quality in his music. With Byrd and Lassus, he ranks among the greatest composers of the last sixteenth century and a study of his work is essential for serious students and scholars.
This volume contains six masses by the composer, as well as a selection of motets. Certain of the masses are "parody" masses, i.e. they are based on a motet or other works by Palestrina or another composer. In such cases, the original motet, or chant, has also been included here. The six masses are: "Missa Papae Marcelli" (his most famous), "Missa L'Homme Arme," "Missa O Magnum Mysterian" (plus motet), "Missa Ave Regina Coelorum" (plus chant), "Missa Veni Sponsa Christi" (plus motet), and "Missa Ascendo ad Patrem" (plus motet). Written for unaccompanied voices, these compositions rank among the finest works of a towering figure in early music. In this inexpensive, authoritative edition, they will be welcomed by all students and lovers of sacred music."