Apocryphonia Concert Series, St. Philip’s Recital Series and Diapente Renaissance Vocal Quintet present a concert by Diapente that explores the music of the Spanish Netherlands, centred in Antwerp in the late 16th century. The concert takes place May 18.
The music of little known composer Noë Faignient and his contemporaries, including Orlando di Lasso, Jacobus Clemens non Papa, and others, serves as the springboard for a dive into a tumultuous time during the history of that region.
16th Century Antwerp
Antwerp, now in modern-day Belgium, was a hub of artistic and economic activity during most of the 16th century. At the end of the 15th century, virtually all of the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), fell under the rule of the Burgundian and Habsburg dynasties, and Antwerp became a magnet for merchants as well as artists from all over northern Europe. By about the mid-16th century, the population had swollen to nearly 100,000, and its Stock Exchange was a model for those setting up in London and Amsterdam.
The city’s school of painting thrived, and its printing houses spread knowledge across Europe. However, strife was developing between the ruling Hapsburgs, led by King Philip of Spain, and the local population, who had converted to Protestantism, and the region fell into what was later called the Eighty Years’ War after a major battle between Spanish mercenaries and locals in 1567. The Dutch Revolt grew in opposition to Spanish rule.
In 1585, the city was captured by Alessandro Farnese, duke of Parma, governor general for the Spanish king, after a siege that lasted more than a year.
Faignient: Music and War in Antwerp 1568-1598
Noé Faignient (also known as Noë Faignient or Noel Faignient), was born in Cambrai in Northern France some time before 1540, and died before 1600, although the exact dates are unknown. He is a Franco-Flemish Renaissance composer known for his polyphonic music. He was known also to give music lessons in Antwerp, and had a studio there likely between 1575 and 1580.
In 1580, he became a singing master to Eric II of Brunswick-Calenberg-Göttingen, returning to Antwerp around 1594.
As a composer, he is best known for vocal works with secular lyrics, using poems by French poets Clément Marot and Pierre de Ronsard, and a psalm by theologian Théodore de Bèze. His best known work is titled Noe menestriers Bastiaenssone geboren van Camerijck speelman, created in 1561.
His collection titled Faignient’s Chansons, madrigales, et motetz à 3 parties consists of 3-voice polyphonic songs, and has been linked by some scholars to the political turmoil of the time. It was published in 1568, the same year that William of Orange, the Prince of Orange who eventually became King of England, launched armed assaults on Spanish troops, and sparked the Dutch Revolt. The Dutch language became more prominent in the arts, and the music was seen as supporting nationalist sentiments.
In 1576, during the Eighty Years’ War, Antwerp was sacked by Spanish troops who had not been paid when Spanish King Philip II declared bankruptcy. Thousands of civilians died, and many buildings, including the town hall, were destroyed. It’s still considered the greatest massacre in Belgian history, and it resulted in a united front against the Spanish crown, as well as the decline of Antwerp in favour of Amsterdam as the new economic centre.
The Concert
The Diapente Renaissance Vocal Quintet specializes in the music of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, bringing a scholarly approach to their musical practice. Along with celebrating the music, they look to introduce their audiences to the lesser known works of the period, including some works which have never been recorded.
The quintet consists of (Left to Right): Alexander Cappellazzo (tenor), Martin Gomes (bass), Jane Fingler (soprano), Jonathan Stuchbery (tenor + plucked strings), and Peter Koniers (countertenor).
- The May 18 concert takes place at St. Philip’s Anglican Church in Etobicoke. Find tickets and more information [HERE].
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