A MODEL MASTERPIECE
Ever since the sixteenth century, the motet Ave Maria … Virgo serena has been not only Josquin’s most famous work but also, in at least two senses, his exemplary opus. One meaning of “exemplary” is representative. On this work, above all, generations of musicians, music students, and music lovers have formed their idea of Josquin’s methods, his characteristics, and his excellence. Another meaning of “exemplary” is example-setting. The whole “perfected art” of sixteenth century sacred music, it sometimes seems, was formed on the example of this one supreme masterpiece. Its stylistic influence was enormous and acknowledged. To a degree previously unapproached by any one composition, it was regarded as a timeless standard of perfection, a classic.
- Citation (MLA):
- Richard Taruskin. "Chapter 14 Josquin and the Humanists." The Oxford History of Western Music. Oxford University Press. New York, USA. n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2025. <https://www.oxfordwesternmusic.com/view/Volume1/actrade-9780195384819-div1-014006.xml>.
- Citation (APA):
- Taruskin, R. (n.d.). Chapter 14 Josquin and the Humanists. In Oxford University Press, Music from the Earliest Notations to the Sixteenth Century. New York, USA. Retrieved 21 Jan. 2025, from https://www.oxfordwesternmusic.com/view/Volume1/actrade-9780195384819-div1-014006.xml
- Citation (Chicago):
- Richard Taruskin. "Chapter 14 Josquin and the Humanists." In Music from the Earliest Notations to the Sixteenth Century, Oxford University Press. (New York, USA, n.d.). Retrieved 21 Jan. 2025, from https://www.oxfordwesternmusic.com/view/Volume1/actrade-9780195384819-div1-014006.xml
