Reference work for musicologists, music theorists, performers, and music lovers Few western musical repertories speak more to the imagination than the Requiem mass for the dead. The Book of Requiems presents in-depth essays on the most important works in this tradition, from the origins of the genre up to the present day. Each chapter is devoted to a specific Requiem, and offers both historical information and a detailed work-discussion. Conceived as a multi-volume essay collection by leading experts, The Book of Requiems is an authoritative reference publication intended as a first port of call for musicologists, music theorists, and performers both professional and student. Volume I treats the Requiem’s liturgical and chant background, the craft of early Requiem composition, and eight of the earliest composed Requiems, from c. 1450 to c. 1550. Few western musical repertories speak more to the imagination than the Requiem mass for the dead. The Book of Requiems presents in-depth essays on the most important works in this tradition, from the origins of the genre up to the present day. Each chapter is devoted to a specific Requiem, and offers both historical information and a detailed work-discussion. Conceived as a multi-volume essay collection by leading experts, The Book of Requiems is an authoritative reference publication intended as a first port of call for musicologists, music theorists, and performers both professional and student. Volume I treats the Requiem’s liturgical and chant background, the craft of early Requiem composition, and eight of the earliest composed Requiems, from c. 1450 to c. 1550. Figures Tables Musical examples Introduction Pieter Bergé, David J. Burn, and Antonio Chemotti The Plainsong Requiem Tradition Sarah Ann Long ‘Lux aeterna luceat eis’: Polyphonic Craft in the Renaissance Requiem John Milsom Johannes Ockeghem (c. 1420–97): Missa pro defunctis Fabrice Fitch Pierre de la Rue (d. 1518): Missa pro fidelibus defunctis Honey Meconi Antoine Brumel (c. 1460–1512/13): Missa pro defunctis David J. Burn Dionisius Prioris (c. 1450?–1514/15): Missa pro defunctis M. Jennifer Bloxam Pedro de Escobar (fl. 1507–14): Missa pro defunctis Tess Knighton Antoine de Févin (d. after January 1512): Missa pro fidelibus defunctis Honey Meconi Jean Richafort (c. 1480–c. 1550): Missa pro defunctis M. Jennifer Bloxam Claudin de Sermisy (c. 1490–13 October 1562): Missa pro defunctis Stephen Rice Primary Sources Cited Bibliography Contributors