Kyrja at the Cross­roads of the Middle Ages: Josquin des Prez and Icelandic Folk Songs

Although separated by an ocean, Iceland and mainland Europe are bound in spirit and in song, sharing ancient musical roots. The vocal ensemble Kyrja will explore the musical landscape of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries in Iceland and beyond, performing ‘Missa Ave maris stella’ by Josquin des Prez (c. 1450–1521). The Mass was composed in Rome around 1490 and is regarded as one of the central works of Franco-Flemish polyphonic music. Interspersed between the movements of the Mass are Icelandic hymn tunes and tvísöngur, traditional Icelandic two-voice singing, from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Duration approx. one hour, without interval.

Promoter

Reykjavík Early Music Festival