EnsLesMeslanges_MessesRetrouvéesCOUV

At the end of 2016, musicologist Laurent Guillo discovered a collection of 26 musical works from the beginning of the 17th century at the Fels Library of the Catholic University of Paris. Among these works were four musical masses by Jehan Titelouze (1563-1633), the Rouen Cathedral organist from the end of the 16th century until his death, considered the founder of the French school of organ.The discovery of these masses printed in 1626 will considerably enlarge the sacred repertoire at the cusp between the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Two are in four parts (Missa In ecclesia, Missa Votiva) and two are in six parts (Missa Simplici corde, Missa Cantate).

Les Meslanges ensemble – under the direction of Thomas Van Essen and Volny Hostiou – has endeavoured to “recreate” them in two discs, continuing the work of its previous programmes, which have attracted the attention of both the public and the press.