The Travels of Orpheus

Between Normandy and Flanders 1590-1620…

Around 1600, being compared to Orpheus distinguished several musicians recognized for the excellence of their works. This program highlights the circulation of artists and their compositions between Normandy and Flanders.
Despite the wars affecting the Spanish-dominated Netherlands, musicians and their repertoires spread widely.

The organist and composer Jehan Titelouze thus left Saint-Omer to settle permanently in Rouen. For his part, Roland de Lassus, born in Mons, published notably in Antwerp and active throughout Europe, embodies the peak of Franco-Flemish polyphony. Both composed on the Marian hymn Ave Maris Stella, using alternatim, which alternates vocal formations.

The cathedral of Rouen preserves several collections of Lassus, perfectly suited to its Mastery. Their gathering illustrates the mobility of works and musicians at that time.
The spread of musical printing and the movement of artists facilitate these exchanges, accompanying the gradual transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque.

The works of Lassus, Titelouze, Pevernage, and other "new Orpheuses" thus interact between Normandy and Northern Europe, reflecting the vibrancy of musical creation.

The ensemble Les Meslanges performs this repertoire with a combination of voices, cornets, sackbuts, serpent, and dulcian, revealing the golden age of polyphony. Under the direction of Thomas Van Essen and Volny Hostiou, the ensemble stands out for its original approach to the French repertoire of the 17th century.

Distribution: 7 singers, 7 instrumentalists (cornets, sackbuts, dulcian, serpent, ...). Musical direction: Thomas Van Essen and Volny Hostiou.

Practical Information: 
All audiences
Duration: 1h30
Free

Cooperation France / Flanders
Les Meslanges benefit from the support of the Ministry of Culture (DRAC Normandy), the Normandy Region, the Seine-Maritime Department, and the City of Rouen. The ensemble is a member of FEVIS, Scène Ensemble, and the employer groups Solstice and Oscar.

Photo credit: les voyages d'orphée©jeff lescene