DAS GÄNSEBUCH (THE GEESE BOOK)

German Medieval Chant

Kaspar Othmayr (1515-1553) / Lucas Osiander (1534-1604): Bicinium and Choral ’Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott’

Mass for Ascension: Introitus: Viri Galilei

Hans Kotter (ca. 1485-1541): Fantasia in C, *Mass for the Holy Lance and the Nails

Conrad Brumann (†1526): Carmen in G, *Mass for Saint Deocarus

Ludwig Senfl (ca. 1492-ca. 1555): Lied ’Ewiger Gott’, *Mass for Saint Sebaldus

Heinrich Isaac (ca. 1450-1517): Ricercare in D minor, *Mass for Saint Monica: Offertorium: Jesu transfixi vulnera

Conrad Paumann (ca. 1415-1473): Kyrie Angelicum, *Mass for Saint Martha

Arnolt Schlick (ca. 1455- ca. 1525): Maria zart, von edler Art, Mass for Saint Lawrence:

Introitus: Confessio et pulchritudo in conspectu eius

Heinrich Finck (1445-1527): Ich wird erlost, Bells of the Church of St. Lorenz

*World Première Recording

Matthias Ank (organ), Schola Hungarica, László Gobszay/ Janka Szendrei

This fascinating recording of early music presents many world premières and rediscovers a complete German liturgy from the early 16th century.

The Geese Book, named after an illumination showing a choir of geese directed by a wolf, is a 500-year-old liturgical manuscript once used in Nuremberg. This recording presents chants from feast days of particular significance to the church of St Lorenz and to the city of Nuremberg, interspersed with organ music by South German and Nuremberg composers.

Of special note is the Feast of the Holy Lance and Nails, the most important feast day in Nuremberg during the years from 1424 to 1524.

“Recordings by the Schola Hungarica generally bring a breath of fresh air and often highlight new and interesting aspects of the chant. … There’s a directness, an objectivity about the singing which I find rather to my taste. And since this is a record that opens up a whole new area of chant, it is well worth investing in.” The Gramophone on a previous Schola Hungarica release.

Naxos 8557412