Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Biographical details for Johannes Ockeghem are sketchy. He lived from about 1420 to 1497 and worked variously for the Dukes of Burgundy and the Kings of France and is probably best known today as a teacher of Agricola, Compere, Josquin Desprez and others. What little we know is ably summarised in the extensive notes by Lucien Kandel and Gerard Geay who go on to explain what sets Ockeghem apart from his contemporary composers. For this reviewer the most helpful comparison is with the mathematical and musical puzzles that another Johann put into his music; think of Bach's 'Goldberg Variations' and you may get some idea of what can be happening under the surface when a great composer sets his mind to something. However Johannes Ockeghem sounds nothing like Johann Sebastian and if you want a quick comparison I would go with Josquin Desprez. The theory behind the music makes it sound difficult and the vocal consort Ensemble Musica Nova, here singing a cappella, make it sound easier than it is. Listeners who want to expand their understanding of Early Music will be richly rewarded by this CD and its accompanying booklet and those who enjoy virtuoso singing will be impressed by Ensemble Musica Nova.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.