In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Orlando Lassus

Born: 1532. Died: 1594. Lived in: France

Orlando di Lasso was born in Mons in the province of Hainaut, in what is today Belgium. Information about his early years is scanty, although some uncorroborated stories have survived, the most famous of which is that he was kidnapped three times because of the singular beauty of his singing voice. At the age of 12 he left the Low Countries with Ferrante Gonzaga and went to Mantua, Sicily, and later Milan (from 1547 to 1549). While in Milan he made the acquaintance of the madrigalist Hoste da Reggio, an influence which was formative on his early musical style.

He then worked as a singer and a composer for Constantino Castrioto in Naples in the early 1550s, and his first works are presumed to date from this time. Next he moved to Rome, where he worked for the Archduke of Florence, who maintained a household there; and in 1553, he became maestro di cappella (chorus leader) of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome, a spectacularly prestigious post for a man only 21 years old, but he stayed there only for a year (Palestrina took this post a year later, in 1555).

Arrangements | Recordings

Orlando Lassus : Musica, Dei donum optimi

The setting was originally published in the year of Lassus' death (1594) and comes from his mature voice. Although it is economical in expression, it is rich and sonorous in sound and brought alive by the six-part counterpoint. It truly brings the text 'Music is a gift from God' to life.

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-8 of 8 items.

Orlando Lassus : Bonjour, mon coeur (Good Day, Sweetheart)

This playful French chanson by di Lasso is delightful! Easily learned and effective in performance! Also includes an English text. Performance Time: Approx. 1:00

Country: France

Charlene Archibeque : Domine, labia mea aperies

A beautiful, moving motet. This performing edition includes a word by word translation of the text, a pronunciation guide, and directives for creating interpretive nuances for performance.

Arranger: Charlene Archibeque

Kenneth Hannaford : Exaltabo te

A dramatic, energetic motet. This performing edition includes a word by word translation of the text, a pronunciation guide, and directives for creating interpretive nuances for performance.

Arranger: Kenneth Hannaford

Patrick Liebergen : Matona Mia Cara

Orlando di Lasso's tuneful villanelle is set here for TBB voices with details that suit the young male voice. The Italian text is accompanied by an optional English text, it is shorter in length than the original SATB score, contains an optional piano accompaniment, and is written in a style that is rustic and light with the energized syllables of dire, dire, don, don, don. A wonderful introduction to madrigal singing for your men.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen

Russell Robinson : Mon Coeur Se Recommande A Vous

This French chanson (a polyphonic song popular in the 15th and 16th centuries) focuses on the subject of love. Performance notes and a pronunciation guide for the eight lines of French are included in the publication, or use the sensitive English text provided by Dr. Robinson. New edition for SSA choirs!

Arranger: Russell Robinson | Country: France

Russell Robinson : The Echo Song

Especially arranged for double 3-part mixed or SSA choirs, each phrase of this famous Italian madrigal is sung by Choir I and repeated precisely by Choir II, many times overlapping to create a textured choral sound. Russell Robinson's masterful adaptation includes an English or Italian text, a useful pronunciation guide, and informative performance notes that will help educate your students.

Arranger: Russell Robinson