Nuper rosarum flores [Recently roses] was written by Guillaume Dufay for the consecration, on 26th of March, 1436, of Filippo Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence.
Recently roses (came) as a gift from the Pope,
despite the cruel winter, to you, heavenly Virgin,
to whom a temple of magnificent design
is dedicated dutifully and through sacred rites.
Together may they be perpetual ornaments.
Today the Vicar of Jesus Christ
and Peter’s successor, Eugenius,
has the honour to consecrate
this same most spacious sacred temple
with his hands and with holy water.
Therefore, gracious mother and daughter of your own Son,
virgin, ornament of virgins,
the people of your city of Florence devoutly pray
that whoever entreats you with a pure mind and body may,
Through your prayer, your anguish and merits,
be found worthy to receive of the Lord,
born of you as all flesh is,
the benefits of grace and the remission of sins. Amen.
Cantus firmus: Awe-inspiring is this place.
‘Josquin woz ere’ scratched – would you believe – on the walls of the Sistine Chapel – what vandalism!
Considered by many to be the musical equivalent of Michelangelo; Josquin Lebloitte dit [known as] des Prez sang in the papal choir from 1489 to 1494 (which gives credence to the attribution of the graffito). Among his most famous works is this, his Missa Pange lingua:
… and then, in the late Renaissance, there’s Palestrina doing, so the story goes, successful battle with the Council of Trent:
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The Art of Listening 