Inviolata (after Lusitano)

"Inviolata is an act of homage set on top of another act of homage. When the motet by Josquin des Pres (c. 1450 – 1521) first appeared in print around 1519, he set the bar high for all composers (and there were several) who followed in his wake. His five-part polyphonic decoration of the 'Inviolata, integra et casta es Maria' plainsong is in three sections and includes a double, canonic cantus firmus running throughout at the fifth. This demonstration of technical expertise feels effortless in Josquin’s hands. Vicente Lusitano (c. 1520 – 1561), a Portuguese composer possibly of African descent, took up the challenge and more; he decided to retain the double canon but add extra voices to create his an eight-part texture. Lusitano’s neglected place in history has garnered a lot of interest recently and Rory McCleery with the Marion Consort have been powerful advocates for his music.