01.06.2022
Gemäldegalerie
From 13 to 16 July 2022, the settings of the mass by Renaissance composer Josquin des Prez (1450–1521) are the focus of an eight-part concert series at Berlin’s Pierre Boulez Saal. Leading up to the live performances, an extensive online platform is introducing the composer and his world. In addition to the music, it also explores connections to the visual arts of the time in a digital museum tour presenting numerous works from the Gemäldegalerie Berlin (Old Master Paintings).
Josquin des Prez, possibly the leading European composer of the 15th century, already enjoyed the acclaim of his contemporaries, who addressed him by his iconic first name, Josquin. His mastery and innovative development of the compositional techniques of his time brought unprecedented depth and breathtaking beauty to the vocal polyphony of the Franco-Flemish school.
An extensive online platform offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves digitally in Josquin’s music and world. In addition to enjoying award-winning recordings of the composer’s masses by The Tallis Scholars, as well as essays and podcasts, they can join Peter Phillips on an online tour as he explores parallels and connections between the period’s music and painting, drawing upon numerous masterpieces from the Gemäldegalerie collection by Rogier van der Weyden, Hugo van der Goes, Hans Memling and others.
From 13 to 16 July 2022, the Pierre Boulez Saal is celebrating the composer with an extraordinary concert project. The Tallis Scholars and their music director Peter Phillips, who have set standards in the interpretation and performance of Josquin’s music like no other ensemble, will perform all 18 of the composer’s settings of the mass.
Related Links
Pierre Boulez Saal’s Online Art Guide
Concert Series at Berlin’s Pierre Boulez Saal from 13 to 16 July 2022
Exhibition
Paintings from the 13th to 18th Century
Permanent exhibition