Jakob Regnart’s mass “Oeniades Nymphæ” – sacred music for the Innsbruck court of Archduke Ferdinand II.
Jakob Regnart was one of the many Franco-Flemish composers who were in Habsburg service in the 16th century. He began his career at the court of Archduke Maximilian II and remained in his service after his coronation as Emperor. Maximilian actively supported Regnart and enabled him to spend two years in Italy. As imperial vice-chapelmaster – an office he retained under Rudolf II – Regnart made a name for himself with his compositions. In 1582, he followed Archduke Ferdinand II’s call to Innsbruck, where he enjoyed the special favour of the music-loving Tyrolean sovereign.
The six-part Missa super “Oeniades Nymphæ” (The Nymphs of the Inn) is probably Regnart’s tribute to the Tyrolean royal seat. The work bears witness to Regnart’s artistry in the complex style of Franco-Flemish vocal polyphony of the late Renaissance, which was held in particular honour at the Habsburg courts. As a sacred building from the second half of the 16th century, Innsbruck’s Court Church is not only an ideal space for this music, but also the presumed premiere venue for the mass, which is embedded in an appropriate liturgical context. In accordance with the customary practice of the time, an alta capella ensemble with cornetts and trombones amplifies the singing voices; the Ebert organ (1558/1561) is used as the original instrument with its splendid sound.
BONUS: 6 pm introduction with music
