Missa pro defunctis (Jean Richafort)

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• (Posted 2020-04-19)  CPDL #58061:   
  • MIDI files I. Introitus: Richafort_-_Missa_pro_defunctis_(RSU-057).midi  II. Kyrie: Richafort_-_Missa_pro_defunctis_(RSU-057)-1.midi  III. Graduale: Richafort_-_Missa_pro_defunctis_(RSU-057)-2.midi  IV. Offertorium: Richafort_-_Missa_pro_defunctis_(RSU-057)-3.midi  V. Sanctus & Benedictus: Richafort_-_Missa_pro_defunctis_(RSU-057)-4.midi  VI. Agnus Dei: Richafort_-_Missa_pro_defunctis_(RSU-057)-5.midi  VII. Communio: Richafort_-_Missa_pro_defunctis_(RSU-057)-6.midi 

Editor: Andrew Fysh (submitted 2020-04-19).   Score information: A4, 60 pages, 997 kB   Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: Complete setting, at original pitch (for SATTTB, SATTBB or ATTTBB). Original note values retained. Transcribed and edited from the Modena and München sources listed below.

General Information

Title: Missa pro defunctis (Requiem in memoriam Josquin des Prez)
Composer: Jean Richafort
Number of voices: 6vv   Voicings: SATTTB, SATTBB or ATTTBB

Genre: Sacred, Requiem, Mass

Language: Latin
Instruments: A cappella

First published: c.1520–30 in Duomo, Biblioteca e Archivio Capitolare di Modena, Modena, MS Mus. X
    2nd published: 1532 in Attaingnant, Sextus liber duas missas habet [Paris] (RISM 1532/6)
    3rd published: c.1555–63 in Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, München, Mus. MS 46
    4th published: 1559 in Leiden, Archieven van de Kerken, Ms. 1440 (Koorboek III / Codex C) - misattributed to Josquin des Prez

Description: One of the most ingenious and complex settings of the Requiem mass from the High Renaissance. Richafort combines chant paraphrase and freely composed counterpoint with a canon that quotes from two of Josquin des Prez's secular works — Faulte d'argent and Nymphes, nappés. Although no historical evidence supports any direct linkage between this work and Josquin's death in 1521, Richafort's setting was nonetheless clearly intended as a memorial to the great master who was also believed to be his mentor or teacher. See Editorial Notes to CPDL #58061 above for further discussion.

External websites:

Original text and translations

For information, refer to the Requiem page. For texts and translations, see the individual pages:

Intr: Requiem • Kyrie • Tr: - • Dies irae • Off: Domine Jesu Christe • Sanctus & Benedictus • Agnus Dei • Comm: Lux aeterna

Richafort's setting follows the Parisian Rite, which contains minor variances in the text of the Introitus and Offertorium (see CPDL #58061 above for full texts and translations), and includes the following Graduale, with text from Psalm 23, between the Kyrie and Offertorium:

Latin text Si ámbulem in médio umbrae mortis, non timébo mala:   quóniam tu mecum es, Dómine.   ℣. Virga tua et báculus tuus, ipsa me consoláta sunt.

English translation If I walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I shall not fear evil:   for Thou art with me, Lord.   ℣. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

In addition, two texts alluding to works by Josquin are sung by the canonic voices: Circumdederunt me (from the Office of the Dead but also a cantus firmus in Nymphes nappes):

Latin text Circumdederunt me gemitus mortis, dolores inferni circumdederunt me.

English translation The groanings of death have encircled me: the sorrows of hell have enclosed me.

and a line from Faulte d'argent:

French text C'est douleur non pareille.

English translation … 'tis a sorrow without equal.