Galeazzo Maria Sforza and Musical Patronage in Milan: Compère, Weerbeke and Josquin

TitleGaleazzo Maria Sforza and Musical Patronage in Milan: Compère, Weerbeke and Josquin
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1996
AuthorsMacey, Patrick
JournalEarly Music History
Volume15
Pagination147-212
Notes

'Vortitel: American institute of musicology\n - dvfilippi'
CiteKey: 
MACEY 1996
Zotero link: 
Click here to display this item in Zotero

Content related to this item

Cycle details

Reference source: 
I-Mfd 1, ff. 126v-134r
Cycle rubric: 
listed under "Motetti missales consequentes" (I-Mfd 1, index)
Identified as a cycle based on: 
index of I-Mfd 1 (see Cycle rubric); consensus in the "motetti missales" literature
Number of voices: 
4
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
c1c3c4f4
Final: 
G
Devotional / liturgical association: 
BVM
Modern editions: 
AMMM 11, 13-43; CMM 106.3; MCE 5
Further notes: 

See also information on this cycle as part of the Gaspar van Weerbeke Project.

Content (motets): 
M031 M032 M033 M034 M035 M036 M037 M038

C12a Ave mundi domina

Weerbeke, Gaspar van

Cycle details

Reference source: 
I-Mfd 3, ff. 125v-135r
Cycle rubric: 
"Galeazescha" (I-Mfd 3)
Identified as a cycle based on: 
presence of a cycle rubric and of "loco" rubrics; consensus in the "motetti missales" literature
Number of voices: 
5
Signature: 
-
Clefs: 
c1c4c4c4f4
Final: 
D
Devotional / liturgical association: 
BVM
Modern editions: 
AMMM 13, 75-112; CMM 15.2; MCE 3
Discography: 

Compère: Missa Galeazescha: Music for the Duke of Milan. Odhecaton, Paolo Da Col, Arcana-Outhere, 2017.

Further notes: 

See also the cognate shorter cycle C14a.

GASSER 2001, 304-305, considers the cycle to consist of seven motets, instead of eight: see the notes to M075 and M076.

The version of M074 in I-Mfd 3 is longer than the one in I-Mfd 1.

Content (motets): 
M071 M072 M073 M074 M075 M076 M077 M078

C14b Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar / ‹Missa› Galeazescha

[Compère, Loyset]

Cycle details

Reference source: 
I-Mfd [4], ff. 65v-68r
Cycle rubric: 
-
Identified as a cycle based on: 
WARD 1986, 499; GASSER 2001, 332
Number of voices: 
4
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
g2c2c3c4
Final: 
G
Devotional / liturgical association: 
BVM, Christ, Incarnation
Christmas, Christmastide
Modern editions: 
CMM 15.4 (O admirabile commercium); AMMM 13, 151-156 (O admirabile commercium); AMMM 6, 12-16 (Sanctus, from I-Mfd 2)
Further notes: 

All movements have concordances elsewhere in the Libroni (for the Sanctus, see I-Mfd 2, ff. 35v-36r); therefore, it is possible to access the full score of the cycle in spite of the damaged state of the reference source (notice, however, the reworkings pointed out by WARD 1986, 512-515, and see the  further notes to M103).

WARD 1986, 506, 508-515 proposes and discusses the reconstruction of a “virtual” five-movement cycle including two additional motets from I-Mfd 1, ff. 149v-151r.

Content (motets): 
M101 Sanctus M103

C29 O admirabile commercium (with Sanctus)

[Compère, Loyset]

Cycle details

Reference source: 
I-Rvat CS 15, ff. 231v-235r
Cycle rubric: 
-
Number of voices: 
4
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
c1c3c4f4
Final: 
G
Devotional / liturgical association: 
BVM
Modern editions: 
SCM 2
Discography: 

The cognate cycle C47b (see Further notes) has been recorded by Cappella pratensis: http://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/3971223. Fragments online at https://www.muziekweb.nl/Link/EAX0513.

Content (motets): 
M191 M192 M193 M194 M195

C47a Virgo praecellens (5 motets)

Anonymous

Cycle details

Reference source: 
MotettiLQ, ff. 27r-28v (S), 90v-92r (A), 57v-59r (T), 122v-124r (B)
Cycle rubric: 
-
Identified as a cycle based on: 
(see Further notes)
Number of voices: 
4
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
c1c3c3f3
c1c3c3f3
c1c3c4f3
c1c3c3f3
c1c2c3f3
g2c2c3f3
c1c3c3f3
Final: 
G
Devotional / liturgical association: 
BVM, Christ
Modern editions: 
NJE 25 (No. 14)
Discography: 

Josquin des Pres: Missa Pange lingua, Vultum tuum, Planxit autem David. Wenstminster Cathedral Choir, James O'Donnell, Hyperion CDA 66614, 1992 (cycle extended and reorganised following Macey's suggestions).

Further notes: 

Compare the shorter cognate cycles C53b Ora pro nobis virgo and C53c Sancta dei genitrix.

MACEY 1989 proposed an extended and partially reordered cycle, including Josquin’s “little” Ave Maria and his Tu lumen, tu splendor patris. Elders discusses the hypothesis in the critical notes to the edition of the work in NJE (CC) 25.

See information on this cycle as part of The Josquin Research Project.

Content (motets): 
M226 M227 M228 M229 M230 M231

C53a Vultum tuum

Josquin des Prez

Cycle details

Reference source: 
I-Mfd 2, ff. 35v-37r
Cycle rubric: 
-
Identified as a cycle based on: 
WARD 1986, 506 (see Further notes)
Number of voices: 
4
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
g2c2c3c4
g2c3c3c4
Final: 
G
Devotional / liturgical association: 
BVM
Modern editions: 
AMMM 6, 12-19; AMMM 13, 145-147 (motet only); CMM 15.4, 30-31 (motet only)
Further notes: 

Only the motet Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae is clearly attributed to Compère in a concordant source (I-Rvat CS 46). For the attribution of the Sanctus see M281.

According to WARD 1986, 506, Sanctus and Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae are parts of a five-pieces cycle, whose components are dispersed in the four Libroni. In WARD’s hypothetical cycle, however, the motet O genitrix gloriosa M292 is placed between the Sanctus and Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae.

C60 Sanctus + Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae

[Compère, Loyset (?)]

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C12a Ave mundi domina
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 1, ff. 133v-134r
Mensuration: 


Pre-existing melodies (Cantus prius facti): 

Incipit of the hymn Fit porta Christi pervia omni (Cantus ID 008305c) quoted in S, T and B (openings):

1--gg---d--g---g---ghg---ge---fg---g---4

"Fit porta Christi pervia" (http://cantus.uwaterloo.ca/chant/493424)

Number of voices: 
4
Length: 
69
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
c1c3c4f4
Final: 
G
Music incipit: 
gdgggage
..defedg
.gdgggaa
..gdggga
Modern editions: 
AMMM 11, 40-43; CMM 106.3; MCE 5.8
Further notes: 

See also the Gaspar van Weerbeke Project.

Text reference: 
T038 Fit porta Christi pervia

M038 Fit porta Christi pervia

Weerbeke, Gaspar van

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C14a Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar
C14b Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar / ‹Missa› Galeazescha
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 1, ff. 143v-145r
Mensuration: 

 
Pre-existing melodies (Cantus prius facti): 

Gasser sees a connection between the 4th phrase of Kyrie IX (Cum Jubilo) and the melody in T1 (text passage "florens ... gratus"):

1--h--k-l---l-k-l--h---g-h-i-j-h---g---g----f---g-i-j--g---h----4

"Kyrie eleison" (GASSER 2001, 319)

Last phrase of verse 4 of the sequence Veni sancte spiritus (Cantus ID ah54153) quoted in T1 (text passage "dans fluenta gratiae"):

1--e---g---h---g---k----j-h----h----4

"sana quod est saucium" (http://manuscrit.ville-laon.fr/_app/visualisation.php?cote=Ms263&vue=192)

Verse 5 of the sequence Veni sancte spiritus (Cantus ID ah54153) quoted in T1 and T2 (text passage "quae regina diceris...mater gratiae"):

1--l---l---g---h---k---j---h---h---i-j----hg----h----g--f---g---f---e---g---h---d-c---f---e-d--d----4

"Da virtutis meritum / da salutis exitum / da perhenne gaudium" (http://manuscrit.ville-laon.fr/_app/visualisation.php?cote=Ms263&vue=192). See MACEY 1996, 169-170.

(A contrafactum of this sequence exists (Veni virgo virginum) which uses the same text as the motet for this melodic phrase: "quae regina diceris / miserere miseris / virgo mater gratiae" http://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/~db/0003/bsb00034686/images/index.html?id=00034686&groesser=&fip=ewqeayaeayaeneayasdaseneayaeayaw&no=&seite=577)

Number of voices: 
5
Length: 
43
Signature: 
-
Clefs: 
c1c4c4c4f4
Final: 
D
Music incipit: 
dfedcfge
addef.ca
dfgagfed
...dfgag
dbbadecd
Modern editions: 
AMMM 13, 75-78; CMM 15.2; MCE 3.1
Further notes: 

Seemingly presented as a two-part motet on two openings in I-Mfd 1 (with “verte cito” and “custodes”).

Text reference: 
T071 Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar

M071 Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar

Compère, Loyset

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C14a Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar
C14b Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar / ‹Missa› Galeazescha
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 1, ff. 145v-147r
Mensuration: 

 
Pre-existing melodies (Cantus prius facti): 

Verse 2 and verse 3 of the sequence Veni sancte spiritus (Cantus ID ah54153) quoted in T1 and T2 alternatively (passage "Virgo carens simili ... possimus in gloria"):

1--h--k--l--l--kj--k--l---kj--h--kj--g--fe--d--dc----g--f--gh--f--ed--c--d----4

"Consolator optime / dulcis hospes anime / dulce refrigerium." (http://manuscrit.ville-laon.fr/_app/visualisation.php?cote=Ms263&vue=192) See MACEY 1996, 170-171.

1--l--l--kj---k--lk--j--h---f--ed--c--de--f--g--f----g--h--ij--h--g--f--ed---d---4

"O lux beatissima / reple cordis intima / tuorum fidelium" (http://manuscrit.ville-laon.fr/_app/visualisation.php?cote=Ms263&vue=192)

Number of voices: 
5
Length: 
47
Signature: 
-
Clefs: 
c1c4c4c4f4
Final: 
D
Music incipit: 
ddegfefg
abcdcdbc
dggagfed
...dggag
dgcedade
Modern editions: 
AMMM 13, 79-83; CMM 15.2; MCE 3.2
Further notes: 

Seemingly presented as a two-part motet on two openings in I-Mfd 1 (with “verte cito” and “custodes”).

Text reference: 
T072 Ave salus infirmorum

M072 Ave salus infirmorum

Compère, Loyset

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C14a Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar
C14b Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar / ‹Missa› Galeazescha
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 3, ff. 128v-130r
Mensuration: 




Pre-existing melodies (Cantus prius facti): 

According to MACEY 1996, 171-73 and 208:
1st phrase of the hymn Ave maris stella (Cantus ID 008272) quoted in T1 (passage "gaude virgo salutata" ... end of folium):

1--d--h---g---hj---l---k--j--h--g----4

"Ave Maris stella" (http://cantus.simssa.ca/manuscript/133/?folio=135v)

2nd phrase of the hymn Ave maris stella (Cantus ID 008272) quoted in T2 (passage "gaude mater iocundata...puerperio"):

1--h--h--d-e--g--f-e--d----4

"dei mater alma" (http://cantus.simssa.ca/manuscript/133/?folio=135v)

3rd phrase of the hymn Ave maris stella (Cantus ID 008272) quoted in T1 (passage "gaude mundi domina...omnia"):

1--f--e--g--h--h--dd-c----4

"atque semper virgo" (http://cantus.simssa.ca/manuscript/133/?folio=135v)

4th phrase of the hymn Ave maris stella (Cantus ID 008272) quoted in T2 (passage "gaude caeli regina...tollens vitia"):

1--e--g--e--f--e-d-c---d---4

"felix caeli porta" (http://cantus.simssa.ca/manuscript/133/?folio=135v)

1st phrase of the hymn Ave maris stella (Cantus ID 008272) quoted in T1 (passage "o plena praeceteris...divina"):

1--d--h---g---hj---l---k--j--h--g----4

"Ave Maris stella" (http://cantus.simssa.ca/manuscript/133/?folio=135v)

Number of voices: 
5
Length: 
58
Signature: 
-
Clefs: 
c1c4c4c4f4
Final: 
D
Music incipit: 
.aagfgaa
.aagfgab
..aagfga
....aabc
aagfgafd
Modern editions: 
AMMM 13, 89-93; CMM 15.2; MCE 3.4
Further notes: 

The version of I-Mfd 1 is shorter than the one in I-Mfd 3 (the section starting with "Gaude virgo fruens delitiis" is missing).
The motet is presented on two openings in the sources, connected by "custodes" and by the rubric "verte cito": in I-Mfd 1 the second opening starts with "Gaude mundi domina", in I-Mfd 3 with "Gaude virgo fruens delitiis".

Text reference: 
T074 Ave sponsa verbi summi

M074 Ave sponsa verbi summi

Compère, Loyset

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C14b Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar / ‹Missa› Galeazescha
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 3, ff. 131v-132r
Mensuration: 


 

Pre-existing melodies (Cantus prius facti): 

1st phrase of verse 1 of the sequence Mane prima sabbati (Cantus ID ah54143) quoted in T2 (passage "ave virgo virginum"):

1--d--d--c--d--e--f--g---4

"Mane prima sabbati" (http://daten.digitale-sammlungen.de/~db/0003/bsb00035323/images/index.html?id=00035323&groesser=&fip=93.1.38.235&no=3&seite=504)

2nd phrase of verse 1 of the sequence Mane prima sabbati (Cantus ID ah54143) quoted in T1 (passage "ave lumen luminum"):

1--f--d--f--c--f--e--d--4

"surgens dei filius" (ibid.)

3rd phrase of verse 1 of the sequence Mane prima sabbati (Cantus ID ah54143) quoted in T2 (passage "ave stella praevia"):

1--f--g--h--g--f--e--d--4

"nostra spes et gloria" (ibid.)

1st phrase of verse 2a of the sequence Mane prima sabbati (Cantus ID ah54143) quoted in T1 (passage "castitatis lilium"):

1--h--g--f-e--d--g--g--a---4

"Victo rege sceleris" (ibid.)

2nd phrase of verse 2a of the sequence Mane prima sabbati (Cantus ID ah54143) quoted in T2 (passage "consolatrix omnium"):

1--h--g--fe--de--f--e--c---4

"rediit ab inferis" (ibid.)

3rd phrase of verse 2a of the sequence Mane prima sabbati (Cantus ID ah54143) quoted in T1 (passage "peccatorum venia"):

1--e--f--d--e--c--d--d----4

"cum summa victoria" (ibid.)

Number of voices: 
5
Length: 
53
Signature: 
-
Clefs: 
c1c4c4c4f4
Final: 
D/D
Music incipit: 
fegfgfff
fgddcdda
acbagaaf
acbagaa.
dcgdeddd
Modern editions: 
AMMM 13, 98-103; CMM 15.2; MCE 3.6
Further notes: 

Cycle C14a, whose three component motets (M071, M072 and M074) are concordant with motets in C14b, is attributed to "Loyset" in I-Mfd 1, index (see the record for fuller details). The present motet has been unanimously attributed to Compère as part of C14b: see for instance FINSCHER 1964, 92.

At the end of the bass part in the previous motet (M075) there is a "verte folium" rubric pointing to the present motet; moreover, M075 ends with breves, whereas all the other motets in the cycle end with longae: GASSER 2001, 310 therefore considers M075 and M076 as one motet for the Sanctus-ad elevationem-post elevationem complex.

Text reference: 
T076 Adoramus te Christe

M076 Adoramus te Christe : Virgo mitis

[Compère, Loyset]

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C14b Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar / ‹Missa› Galeazescha
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 3, ff. 132v-133r
Mensuration: 




Pre-existing melodies (Cantus prius facti): 

1st phrase of verse 1 of the sequence Salve mater salvatoris (Cantus ID unsure) is loosely quoted in the first phrase of T1:

1---d--h--h--g--h--fed--c--d----4

"Salve mater salvatoris" (MOBERG 1927, No. 10)

last phrase of verse 4 of the sequence Veni sancte spiritus (Cantus ID ah54153) is quoted in T1 (passage "vas caelestis gratiae"):

1--e---g--h--g--k---jh---h-----4

"sana quod est saucium" (http://manuscrit.ville-laon.fr/_app/visualisation.php?cote=Ms263&vue=192)

1st phrase of verse 4 of the sequence Veni sancte spiritus (Cantus ID ah54153) is quoted in T2 (passage "tu nostrum refugium"):

1--k---k---j-h--j--k-j---h---g---4

"Flecte quod est rigidum" (ibid.) See MACEY 1996, 171.

2nd phrase of verse 4 of the sequence Veni sancte spiritus (Cantus ID ah54153) is quoted in T1 (passage "da reis remedium"):

1--h---h---fe--f--gf--e--d---4

"riga quod est aridum" (ibid.)

last phrase of verse 4 of the sequence Veni sancte spiritus (Cantus ID ah54153) is quoted in T2 (passage "procul pelle vitia"):

1--e---g--h--g--k---jh---h-----4

"sana quod est saucium" (ibid.)

Number of voices: 
5
Length: 
44
Signature: 
-
Clefs: 
c1c4c4c4f4
Final: 
D
Music incipit: 
.dafegfe
dcbadcbc
..daagac
...ccafg
dagfdaed
Modern editions: 
AMMM 13, 104-107; CMM 15.2; MCE 3.8
Further notes: 

Cycle C14a, whose three component motets (M071, M072 and M074) are concordant with motets in C14b, is attributed to “Loyset” in I-Mfd 1, index (see the record for fuller details). The present motet has been unanimously attributed to Compère as part of C14b: see for instance FINSCHER 1964, 92.

Text reference: 
T077 Salve mater salvatoris

M077 Salve mater salvatoris

[Compère, Loyset]

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C14b Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar / ‹Missa› Galeazescha
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 3, ff. 133v-135r
Mensuration: 




Pre-existing melodies (Cantus prius facti): 

First half of verse 1 of the sequence Virginis Mariae laudes (Cantus ID 850309) quoted in T1 (opening):

1--dd--c--d--f--g--f--e--d---4

"Virginis Mariae laudes"
(GOEDE 1965, No. 73)

Second half of verse 1 of the sequence Virginis Mariae laudes (Cantus ID 850309) quoted in T2 (opening):

1--h--g--f--g--f--e--d---4

"intonent christiani."
(GOEDE 1965, No. 73)

First part of verse 2a of the sequence Virginis Mariae laudes (Cantus ID 850309) quoted in T1 (second phrase):

1--h--k--l--h--g--h--h---4

"Eva tristis abstulit"
(GOEDE 1965, No. 73)

Second part of verse 2a of the sequence Virginis Mariae laudes (Cantus ID 850309) quoted in T2 (second phrase):

1--h--g--h--g--f--e--d---4

"sed Maria protulit"
(GOEDE 1965, No. 73)

Last part of verse 2a of the sequence Virginis Mariae laudes (Cantus ID 850309) quoted in T1 (third phrase):

1--f--g--d--f--d--c--f--f--e--d----4

"natum, qui redemit peccatores."
(GOEDE 1965, No. 73)

Number of voices: 
5
Length: 
65
Signature: 
-
Clefs: 
c1c4c4c4f4
Final: 
D
Music incipit: 
dedfgagf
abcbagfe
dcdfgfed
...agfgf
dadgcdab
Modern editions: 
CMM 15.2; AMMM 13, 108-112
Further notes: 

Cycle C14a, whose three component motets (M071, M072 and M074) are concordant with motets in C14b, is attributed to "Loyset" in I-Mfd 1, index (see the record for fuller details). The present motet has been unanimously attributed to Compère as part of C14b: see for instance FINSCHER 1964, 92.

Text reference: 
T078 Virginis Mariae laudes

M078 Virginis Mariae laudes

[Compère, Loyset]

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C53a Vultum tuum
C53b Ora pro nobis virgo
C53c Sancta dei genitrix
Reference source: 
MotettiLQ, ff. 28r (S), 91r-91v (A), 58v (T), 123v (B)
Mensuration: 

Pre-existing melodies (Cantus prius facti): 

This motet possibly quotes pre-existing material, but it can not be linked to any Cantus prius factus with a corresponding text.

Number of voices: 
4
Length: 
77
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
c1c3c3f3
Final: 
G
Music incipit: 
.dcdd..d
gfgg..dd
.defd..d
gabg..gg
Modern editions: 
NJE 25 (No. 14)
Further notes: 

Additional concordances in mss. that do not transmit motet cycles: E-Bbc M 454 (“Cancionero musical de Barcelona”), No. 59, ff. 129v-130r; E-SE Ms. s.s. (“Segovia Codex; Cancionero musical de Segovia; Cancionero del Alcázar”), ff. 86v-87r; F-CA MS 125-128, ff. 86v-87r.

See also The Josquin Research Project.

Text reference: 
T229 O Maria nullam

M229 O Maria nullam

Josquin des Prez

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C60 Sanctus + Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 2, ff. 35v-36r
Mensuration: 

Number of voices: 
4
Length: 
96
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
g2c2c3c4
Final: 
D/D
Music incipit: 
gabcbbab
deffgfge
gbcdedbc
gfedcgfg
Modern editions: 
AMMM 6, 12-16
Further notes: 

The first part (Sanctus) has also been copied In I-Mfd [4], ff. 66v-67r, where a G has been added at the end of each voice, except in the Altus. Consequently, the final in I-Mfd [4] (G) differs from the final in I-Mfd 2 (D).

For the attribution of this piece to Compère and its possible belonging to a cycle, see WARD 1986, 499, 506, and 508-515. The attribution was proposed by STAEHELIN 1973, 82, based on the probable identification of this Sanctus with the isolated one attributed to “Loyset” in I-Mfd [4] according to BERWIN-HIRSCHFELD 1892, 91. Ludwig Finscher (s.v. “Compère, Loyset”, in MGG Online) strongly questioned the attribution on stylistic grounds. See also C29. Due to the complex issues of authorship and rewriting and the web of partial and reworked concordances regarding the entire cycle as proposed by WARD 1986, the problem awaits further investigation.

Text reference: 
T281 Sanctus : O sapientia

M281 Sanctus : O sapientia

[Compère, Loyset (?)]

Motet details

In cycle(s): 
C60 Sanctus + Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae
Reference source: 
I-Mfd 2, ff. 36v-37r
Mensuration: 

Number of voices: 
4
Length: 
61
Signature: 
b
Clefs: 
g2c3c3c4
Final: 
G
Music incipit: 
.feedggf
gggbbccd
.dccbgaa
gggggfed
Modern editions: 
AMMM 6, 17-19; AMMM 13, 145-147; CMM 15.4, 30-31
Further notes: 

In all the extant sources but the Libroni this motet is transmitted following the motet M292 O genitrix gloriosa. According to WARD 1986, 511-512, O genitrix gloriosa and Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae are two separate compositions (and not a motet divided in two parts, as in the CMM edition), as indicated by the absence of custodes between them in all but one source (MotettiA). RIFKIN 2003, 263, points out that the oldest source in which these two motets are paired is I-Fr Ms. 2794, “a source written at or near the French royal court, very probably between 1486 and 1488”. SCHMIDT 2017, 26, adds that “The piece had thus reached the French court by the 1480s, possibly brought there by the composer himself; by this time it had emancipated itself from the Milanese tradition and had become a proper motet”.

O genitrix gloriosa was copied in I-Mfd 3, ff. 51v-52r.

Concordances (of the two paired motets) in mss. that do not transmit motet cycles: I-Fr Ms. 2794, ff. 9v-11r; I-Sc K.I.2, ff. 182v-184.

 

Text reference: 
T282 Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae

M282 Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae

Compère, Loyset

Text details

Tags: 
Verse
To/about Mary
Standardised text incipit: 
Quem terra pontus aethera
Liturgical/devotional association: 
Marian feasts and observances
Full text: 

Quem terra, pontus, aethera
Colunt, adorant, praedicant
Trinam regentem machinam
Claustrum Mariae baiulat,
Secreta quae non noverat.

Cui luna, sol et omnia
Deserviunt per tempora,
Perfusa caeli gratia
Gestant puellae viscera.

Beata mater munere
Cuius supernus artifex
Mundum pugillo continens
Ventris sub arca clausus est.

Beata caeli nuntio,
fecunda sancto spiritu,
desideratus gentibus
cuius per alvum fusus est.

English translation: 

He whom earth, sea and the heavens honour, adore, announce, he who rules the threefold creation Mary’s cloistered midriff carries, she who didn’t know the secrets.

The one whom moon, sun and all things ardently serve through the ages, the belly of a girl bears suffused by heaven’s grace.

Mother blessed with a gift, whose highest Creator, he who contains the world in his little fist, was closed up in <her> womb’s casket.

Blessed by the heaven’s messenger, fertile through the Holy Ghost, through whose womb he whom the people desire was brought forth.

 

Correspondences in standard ref works: 

Marian hymn AH 50, No. 72, pp. 86-88, st. 1-2, 4-5
Secreta ... noverat] line not present, see below
Beata] Benedicta (but beata is a frequent lesson)

Secreta ... noverat: compare Sedulius’ hymn A solis ortus cardine, AH 50, No. 53/2, pp. 58-60, st. 3
Clausa parentis viscera
Caelestis intrat gratia
Venter puellae bajulat
secreta quae non noverat.

Further notes: 

The central part of T037 is the continuation of this text.

T036 Quem terra pontus aethera

Text details

Tags: 
Verse
Composite text
To/about Mary
Standardised text incipit: 
O virginum praeclara
Liturgical/devotional association: 
Marian feasts and observances
Full text: 

O virginum praeclara Maria sanctissima <?> tuum factorem, redemptorem saeculi. 

O gloriosa domina,
Excelsa supra sidera,
Qui te creavit provide 
Lactasti sacro ubere.

Tu reddis almo germine,
Intrent ut astra flebiles
Caeli fenestra facta es.

Tu regis alti ianua
Et porta lucis fulgida.
Vitam datam per virginem,
Gentes redemptae, plaudite.

Domus pudici pectoris,
Templum repente fidei
Verbo concepit filium
Iesum Christum.

English translation: 

O renowned virgin holiest Mary, <?> your maker, redeemer of the ages.

O lady glorious, excelling the stars, He who created you with providence, you fed with your holy breast.

You returned by a restoring offshoot, so that those worthy of being beweeped could enter the heavens, you were made the heaven's window.

You door of the high king and shining gate of light. Redeemed people, applaud the life given by a virgin.

The house of a modest breast, the unexpected temple of faith conceived a son, Jesu Christ through the word.

 

Correspondences in standard ref works: 

O gloriosa ... plaudite = Marian hymn, AH 50, No. 72, pp. 86-87, st. 6-8
domina] femina
Lactas sacrato] lactasti sacro
the first line of st. 7, Quod Eva tristis abstulit, is missing in our text

Domus ... fidei = Sedulius’ hymn A solis ortus cardine, AH 50, No. 53/2, p. 58-60, st. 4
fidei] fit Dei
Verbo concepit filium / Iesum Christum] Intacta nesciens virum / Verbo creavit (concepit in several mss.) filium

Related texts in polyphonic sources: 

I-Mfd 1, 149v-150r and I-Mfd 2, 36v-37r, Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae (L. Compère)

Further notes: 

O gloriosa ... plaudite is the continuation of T036.

T037 O virginum praeclara

Text details

Tags: 
Verse
Composite text
To/about Mary
Standardised text incipit: 
Fit porta Christi pervia
Liturgical/devotional association: 
Marian feasts and observances
Full text: 

Fit porta Christi pervia
Refulta plena gratia
Transitque rex et permanet
Clausa ut fuit per saecula.

Genus superni luminis
Processit aula virginis
Sponsus redemptor conditor
Suae gigas ecclesiae.

Honor matris et gaudium,
Immensa spes credentium,
Per atra mortis pocula
Resolvit nostra crimina.

Maria mater gratiae,
mater misericordiae,
Tu nos ab hoste protege
Et hora mortis suscipe.

Gloria tibi domine
Qui natus es de virgine
Cum patre, sancto spiritu
In sempiterna saecula.
Amen.

English translation: 

Christ´s door is made open, fully shone with grace, and the king passes and it stays closed, like it was before, throughout the ages.

The descendant of celestial light, He proceeded through the virgin's hall; husband, savior, creator, His church's giant.

His mother's honour and joy, huge hope of the faithful; In death's dark cups He dissolves our crime.

Mary, mother of grace, mother of mercy, protect us from the enemy and pick us up on death's day.

Glory to you Lord, born from the virgin, with father and Holy Ghost for ever-eternal ages.
Amen.

 

Correspondences in standard ref works: 

Fit ... crimina, compare with variant versions of Sedulius’ Hymn A solis ortus cardine, AH 27, No. 82, pp. 117-118
luminis] numinis

Maria ... suscipe = hymn for the Little Office of the BVM, see ad Primam et Tertiam, AH 12, No. 72, p. 48
mater] plena

Gloria ... Amen, standard doxology of several Marian hymns

Further notes: 

The presence of the stanza “Maria mater gratiae...” has been associated with Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza: see notably MACEY 1996.

T038 Fit porta Christi pervia

Text details

Tags: 
Verse
Composite text
To/about Mary
Standardised text incipit: 
Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar
Liturgical/devotional association: 
Marian feasts and observances
Full text: 

Ave virgo gloriosa,
Caeli iubar, mundi rosa,
Caelibatus lilium.

Ave gemma pretiosa,
Super omnes speciosa,
Virginale gaudium.

Florens hortus, aegris gratus,
Puritatis fons signatus
Dans fluenta gratiae.

Quae regina diceris
Miserere miseris
Virgo, mater gratiae.

Reis ergo fac regina, 
O virgo pura,
Apud regem ut ruina
Relaxetur debita.

O virgo pura,
Pro nobis dulciter ora.

English translation: 

Hail, glorious virgin, splendor of heaven, rose of the world, lily of celibacy.

Hail, precious gem, precious above all creatures, virginal joy.

Flowering garden, beloved of the sorrowful, sealed fountain of purity bringing forth streams of grace.

You who are called queen, have mercy on the miserable, virgin, mother of grace.

Therefore, Queen, appeal for the sinners to the King, o pure virgin, so that the due ruin may be eased.

O pure virgin, pray sweetly for us.

Correspondences in standard ref works: 

Ave ... fluenta gratiae = Marian sequence, AH 54, No. 277, pp. 417-418, st. 1-2 and 7
omnes] solem

Quae ... mater gratiae = Marian sequence Veni virgo virginum (sung on the melody of Veni sancte spiritus), AH 54, No. 250, p. 393, st. 10

Reis ... debita = Marian sequence Salvatoris mater pia, AH 54, No. 280, p. 424, st. 9
O virgo pura] line not present

O virgo ... ora appears to be a devotional addition of unknown origin

T071 Ave virgo gloriosa caeli iubar

Text details

Tags: 
Verse
Composite text
To/about Mary
Standardised text incipit: 
Salve mater salvatoris
Liturgical/devotional association: 
Marian feasts and observances
Full text: 

Salve mater salvatoris,
Vas electum, vas honoris
Vas caelestis gratiae.

Tu nostrum refugium
Da reis remedium
Procul pelle vitia.

Salve verbi sacra parens,
Flos de spina spina carens
Flos spineti gloria.

Tu veniae vena,
Mater gratiae,
Confer nobis dona misericordiae.

Filium implora 
Ut donum veniae 
Donet mortis hora
Nobis ut gloriae
Regno presentemur.

Dulcis Iesu mater bona,
Mundi salus et matrona
Supernorum civium,

Pacem confer sempiternam
Et ad lucem nos supernam
Transfer post exilium,
O Maria.

English translation: 

Hail, mother of the Savior, chosen vessel, vessel of honor, vessel of celestial grace.

You, our refuge, grant the sinners a remedy, vanish vice far away.

Hail, sacred parent of the Word, flower among thorns, flower free from thorns, glory of the thicket.

You are the vein of forgiveness, mother of grace, grant us the gifts of mercy.

Implore your Son to grant us the gift of forgiveness at the hour of our death, so that we may be shown to the kingdom of glory.

Good mother of sweet Jesus, salvation of the world and matron of the celestial citizens, grant eternal peace and transfer us to the celestial light after our exile, o Mary.

 

Correspondences in standard ref works: 

Salve mater ... gratiae = Marian sequence Salve mater salvatoris, AH 54, No. 245, pp. 383-386, st. 1

Tu nostrum ... vitia = Maria sequence Ave virgo virginum, AH 54, No. 285, pp. 432-433, st. 6

Salve verbi ... gloria = Marian sequence Salve mater salvatoris, AH 54, No. 245, pp. 383-386, st. 3

Dulcis ... exilium = Marian sequence Ave virgo gloriosa, AH 54, No. 277, pp. 417-419, st. 15-16

Related texts in polyphonic sources: 

I-Mfd 1, ff. 84v-85r, Salve mater salvatoris (F. Gaffurius) (= M012, T012)

I-Mfd 1, ff. 179v-181r, Salve mater salvatoris : Inter natos mulierum (F. Gaffurius)
Salve mater salvatoris
vas electum vas honoris
vas celestis gratie.

Sancta Maria, sancta Dei genitrix, intercede pro nobis.

Salve regni princeps poli
Cunctis iustis dignus coli
Michael archangele.

Sancte Michael ora pro nobis.
Sancta virgo virginum ora pro nobis unigenitum.

Inter natos mulierum
Hic Joannes vas sincerum
Principatum tenuit.

Ora pro nobis,
sancte Petre ora pro nobis
sancte Paule intercede pro nobis
sancte Stephane ora nobis
sancte Laurenti ora pro nobis
sancta Tecla intercede pro nobis
sancte Ambrosi ora pro nobis
omnes sancti et sancte Dei intercedite pro nobis.

T077 Salve mater salvatoris

Text details

Tags: 
Verse
Composite text
To/about Mary
Standardised text incipit: 
Virginis Mariae laudes
Liturgical/devotional association: 
Marian feasts and observances
Full text: 

Virginis Mariae laudes
Intonent christiani.

Eva tristis abstulit
Et Maria protulit
Natumque redemit
Peccatores.

Ave caelorum regina,
Ave morum disciplina,
Via vitae, lux divina
Virgo, mater, filia.

Ave templum sanctum dei,
Fons salutis, porta spei,
Ad te currunt omnes rei
Plena cum fiducia.

Sancta parens
Refove gentes
Quae corde precantur.
Labe carens
Remove mentes
Quae sorde ligantur.

Mater misericordiae,
O Maria,
Spes salutis et veniae,
Maria mater gratiae
Succurre nobis hodie,
O Maria,
In hac valle miseriae,
o Maria,
Exaudi nos,
o Maria.

English translation: 

Let all Christians intone the praises of the Virgin Mary.

Sorrowful Eve took away and Mary bore her Son and redeemed the sinners.

Hail, queen of the heavens, hail, discipline of good conduct, path of Life, divine light, virgin, mother, and daughter.

Hail, holy temple of God, source of salvation, gate of hope, to you run all sinners, with complete faith.

Holy parent, strengthen your people who implore with all their hearts. 

[You], lacking any stain, free the souls that are constricted by uncleanliness.

Mother of mercy, o Mary, hope of salvation and forgiveness, Mary, mother of grace. Aid us today, o Mary, in this valley of misery, o Mary, hear us, o Mary.

Correspondences in standard ref works: 

Virginis ... peccatores = Marian sequence Virgini Mariae laudes (modeled on Victimae paschali laudes), AH 54, No. 18, pp. 27-29, st. 1-2
Virginis] Virgini (but Virginis is a frequent variant)
et] sed
natumque] natum, qui

Ave caelorum ... fiducia = Marian sequence Ave caelorum regina, AH 54, No. 275, p. 416, st. 1-2

Related texts in other sources: 

A mid-fifteenth-century inscription in an English church attests that “Sancta parens ... ligantur” derives from an existing rhymed prayer:
Iesu parens / refove gentes / quae corde precantur.
Labe carens / renova mentes / quae sorde ligantur.

 

Further notes: 

GASSER 2001, 312 has observed the presence of the phrases “Maria mater gratiae” and “Mater misericordiae” in the last, unidentified portion of the text. These phrases clearly resonate with Galeazzo Maria Sforza’s assumed predilection for the Madonna delle Grazie and the corresponding stanza from the hymn ‘Memento salutis auctor’ (as famously discussed in MACEY 1996).

T078 Virginis Mariae laudes

Text details

Tags: 
Prose
To/about Mary
Standardised text incipit: 
O Maria nullam
Full text: 

O Maria nullam tam gravem possumus habere culpam pro qua apud filium tuum non possis impetrare veniam nihilque est impossibile tibi apud filium tuum quem genuisti de tuo sacro corpore, mater misericordiae. 

 

English translation: 

O Mary, no guilt of ours can be so great that you cannot ask your Son forgiveness for us. Nothing is impossible for you to obtain from your Son, to whom you gave birth from your holy body, Mary, mother of pity.

Correspondences in standard ref works: 

No direct correspondence in a standard ref work could be found.

Further notes: 

MACEY 1996 notices the difference between the text published by Petrucci in MotettiLQ and that in I-Mfd [4], and regards the presence of what he calls “Galeazzo’s verset” (i.e. "Maria mater gratiae/mater misericordiae") in the latter as evidence for a connection between Josquin’s Vultum tuum cycle and Duke Galeazzo Sforza.

T229 O Maria nullam

Text details

Tags: 
Composite text
To/about Mary
Standardised text incipit: 
Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae
Liturgical/devotional association: 
Marian feasts and observances
Full text: 

Ave virgo gloriosa,
Maria mater gratiae,
Ave gemma pretiosa,
Mater misericordiae. 

O Maria florens rosa
Tu nos ab hoste protege
Esto nobis gratiosa
Et hora mortis suscipe.

O gloriosa domina,
Excelsa super sidera, 
Qui te creavit provide,
Lactasti sacro ubere.

Quod Eva tristis abstulit 
Tu reddis almo germine
Intrent ut astra flebiles
Caeli fenestra facta es.

O Maria mater gratiae,
Mater misericordiae.

English translation: 

Hail glorious virgin,
Mary mother of grace
hail precious gem,
mother of mercy.

O Mary flowering rose
protect us from the enemy
be gracious to us
and sustain us on the hour of death.

O glorious mistress
high beyond the stars
the one who created you providentially
you fed with the holy breast.

That which the sad Eve took away
you give back through the fertile bud,
so that the miserable people may access the heavens
you were made the window of the sky.

O Mary mother of grace
mother of mercy.

 

Correspondences in standard ref works: 

Maria mater gratiae mater misericordiae tu nos ab hoste protege et hora mortis suscipe = De beata Maria V., Ad Primam et Tertiam, AH 12, No. 72, p. 48, st. 1 (see also No. 73, p. 49, st. 3)
mater gratiae] plena gratiae 

O gloriosa ... ubere = hymn verse for the Assumption of Mary (Cantus ID 008375e)

Quod Eva ... facta es = hymn verse for the Assumption of Mary (Cantus ID 008375f)

Further notes: 

The first two strophes alternate verses of two different texts. The even verses create a strophe which is included in different Marian hymns (see also MACEY 1996, 165); the odd ones, which remind different hymn verses, do not constitute, however, an indipendent strophe.

The text in I-Mfd 1 and I-Mfd 2 lacks the last line and ends with “O Maria mater gratiae”. According to MACEY 1996, 182, “The correct text seems to have been corrupted by the scribe who copied it into the two Milanese choirbooks around 1490 and later”. MACEY specifies that the text is complete in GB-Lcm 1070, I-Fr Ms. 2794, I-Rvat CS 46 and MotettiA (the only concordances cited in the article).

T282 Ave virgo gloriosa Maria mater gratiae