Missa Pro Defunctis
(in memoriam Josquin Desprez)
Soloists of
Collegium Vocale Gent
Barbora Kabátková
soprano & musical direction
More concerts
- 03/11/2026 | 19:30Douleur non pareille Prague, CZ
- 30/10/2026 | 20:00Douleur non pareille Antwerpen, BE
- 02/11/2026 | 20:00Douleur non pareille Liberec, CZ
Douleur non pareille
Jean Richafort’s Missa pro defunctis (Requiem) is one of the most expressive works from the early 16th century and clearly bears the influence of Josquin Desprez. The piece is written for six voices and is built around the Gregorian chant Circumdederunt me. In this Requiem, Richafort subtly weaves together music by Josquin with his own compositional voice, including direct quotations from Nymphes, nappés and the poignant C’est douleur non pareille from Faulte d’argent. In doing so, familiar material is transformed into a profound meditation on grief and loss.
Interspersed with Gregorian chants from the Officium defunctorum and concluding with the motet Fortuna desperata, the programme highlights Richafort’s rich polyphony and the Renaissance fascination with reworking and homage. Under the direction of Barbora Kabátková, the singers of Collegium Vocale Gent bring this remarkable repertoire to life, combining historical insight with intense expressivity.