Beauty Farm and Pierre de Manchicourt

NOTE: All of the music on this program comes from the recording Pierre de Manchicourt on the Fra Bernardo label featuring the ensemble Beauty Farm. It is CD FB 2419456. For more information:

frabernardo.com

We know little about the biography of Pierre de Manchicourt (around 1510–1564), and recordings of his music are also rare. The vocal ensemble Beauty Farm takes up the cudgels for this Franco-Flemish Renaissance master, who is still only known to a few specialists. The album sheds a representative light on the sacred music of this composer, who was, after all, Kapellmeister to Philip II in Madrid in the last years of his life. 

Four masses—including the first recording of the Missa de Domina—show that Manchicourt was one of the grand masters of vocal polyphony.

With this album BEAUTY FARM explores the music of PIERRE DE MANCHICOURT, a Renaissance composer known for his intricate vocal polyphony. The album features four of his masses, showcasing his unique style that sets him apart from his contemporaries. Born around 1510 in Béthune, Manchicourt served as a choirboy and later as a choirmaster in various cathedrals. He was known for his melodious and complex compositions, influenced by the likes of Nicolas Gombert. The album highlights Manchicourt's ability to create melodies that seem to flow endlessly, with imitation playing a subtle role. His use of polychoral style and skillful augmentations adds depth and complexity to his music. Overall, Manchicourt's masses stand out for their quality and individuality, making him a respected figure in Renaissance music.