Josquin Desprez – Ave Maria (c.1484)

Josquin Desprez (c. 1450–1521), a Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance, left an indelible mark on choral music with his innovative approach and intricate polyphony. Revered by his contemporaries and succeeding generations, Josquin’s compositions exemplify the pinnacle of Renaissance contrapuntal artistry.

“Ave Maria,” one of Josquin’s masterful motets, epitomizes the expressive depth and technical brilliance for which he is celebrated. Composed during the late 15th century, this sacred choral work captures the essence of Renaissance spirituality. In the context of his contemporaries such as Ockeghem and Obrecht, Josquin’s “Ave Maria” stands out for its seamless fusion of melodic beauty and contrapuntal sophistication.