MUSICUS FAMOSISSIMUS
A tribute to Johannes Ciconia (c1370-1412)

Summary

Johannes Ciconia, illegitimate son of a Liège priest, is regarded as one of the most intriguing musical personalities of the period immediately preceeding the age of Du Fay, as well as the first great oltramontano (Northern-European musician) to have made a successful career in Italy at the dawn of the Renaissance. At the pinnacle of his career he was referred to by some of his contemporaries as 'the most famous musician' (musicus famosissimus).

Ciconia feels equally 'at home' in both sacred and secular music, but it is in the latter, that his talent for absorbing and creative transforming of various stylistic elements (a gift he shared with Du Fay) is revealed. Ciconia’s secular output is fascinating in its diversity. A master of the Northern-European 'ars nova' and 'subtilitas', he is nevertheless capable of writing in purely Italian style. Moreover, he delights in blending his experiences with both worlds - with superb results.

In January 2010 LA MORRA has recorded all securely attributable secular works by Ciconia that have survived in complete (or nearly complete) state. This recording will appear as part of the label Ricercar's project devoted to Ciconia's oeuvre (scheduled for release in 2011). The present concert programme, developed from the recorded one and enhanced by related material, was designed with the approaching 600th anniversary of composer’s death in mind.

Repertoire

Italian and French-texted secular works by Johannes Ciconia; instrumental music from the Faenza Codex

Performers

6 musicians (3 vocalist, 3 instrumentalists)

Most suitable venue

medium church or concert hall

Detailed programme can be obtained at the time of programme brochure printing

FEE ON APPLICATION

[return to the Concert Presenter's area]

IN THE UPPER-RIGHT CORNER: beginning of 'En atendant souffrir m'estuet' by Phillipoctus de Caserta, as cited by Ciconia in 'Sus une Fontayne' (manuscript ModA)