This 2-CD set introduces the masses of Jacob Obrecht. He was a Flemish-Dutch, Low Countries (greater Netherlands) composer and was the most famous composer of masses in Europe in the late 15th century, being eclipsed by only Josquin des Prez after his death.

The music of the Renaissance appears to reflect little of the dangers, horrors and violent conflicts of its time. Music written during the Hundred Years War or the French invasion of Italy gives hardly any impression to today’s ears of the precariousness of existence of which its composers, singers and listeners must have continually been aware. Nor do the two masses by Jacob Obrecht (1457/8-1505), presented here by Beauty Farm, betray anything of the restless spirit of the age, despite them both being based on models referring to suffering and misery.

Featuring Bart Uvyn (countertenor), Jon Etxabe Arzuaga and Florian Schmitt (tenor) with Joachim Höchbauer (bass), Beauty Farm brings this wonderful music together on a new recording.