Obrecht – Missa Ave Regina coelorum (1504) 

Jacob Obrecht (1457/58–1505), a leading composer of the Franco-Flemish School during the Renaissance, contributed significantly to the development of polyphonic choral music. Born in Ghent, Obrecht’s compositions, characterized by intricate counterpoint and expressive richness, reflect the flourishing musical culture of his time. His legacy endures as a key figure in the transition from the medieval to the Renaissance musical styles. 
 
Obrecht’s “Missa Ave Regina Coelorum,” a prominent work within his sacred repertoire, exemplifies the intricate contrapuntal craftsmanship of Renaissance polyphony. Composed as a cyclic mass setting, the work ingeniously integrates the plainchant “Ave Regina Coelorum” as a structural foundation. Obrecht’s masterful handling of imitative counterpoint and harmonic exploration creates a tapestry of interwoven voices, showcasing his devotion to both liturgical tradition and innovative musical expression. In this monumental mass, Obrecht’s setting of the Ordinary of the Mass is unified by a shared thematic material, providing a cohesive and musically engaging experience