Music by five great Medieval and Renaissance composers,along with posthumous laments by their colleagues,and leavened with a few “transgressive” songs. 

Death, it seems, has always been a muse. Cantabile presents Lamentable Traditions, an exploration of the déploration, the venerable practice of composers honoring one another in music after death." Anchored by Josquin de Prez’s tender "Nymphes des bois" and joined by Machaut, Ockeghem, Binchois, Tallis and Byrd, among others, the program offers something for devoted lovers of Renaissance polyphony and newcomers to the genre alike."
Yet this is no unrelieved dirge: a few gleefully bawdy pieces give the word “lamentable” its double meaning. Expect gorgeous harmony, a few well-earned laughs, and perhaps a blush or two. Come mourn with us, and leave rather more cheerful than you arrived.

Friday, November 20th
7 PM, Free Admission
All Saints Episcopal Church
7 Woodbridge Street, South Hadley MA 01075

Sunday, November 22nd
7:30 PM, Free Admission
Northampton Center for the Arts
33 Hawley Street, Northampton MA 01060

Cantabile is a six-voice self-directed ensemble based in the Pioneer Valley that specializes in a cappella performances of vocal chamber music from the European Renaissance. The group was founded in 2001, and since then has performed dozens of concerts throughout the Valley and beyond. Cantabile’s current members are Maki Matsui, James Mead, Peter Shea, Aidan Linden, Katrina Turner and Nina Wurgaft.