Albertus Parisiensis

Albertus Parisiensis (fl. 1146–1177), also known as Albert of Paris, was a French cantor and composer. He is credited with creating the first known piece of European music for three voices.

Life and career

Parisiensis was probably born in Estampes in the Arrondissement of Mirande. He served as canon at Notre Dame de Paris from 1127 and as cantor by 1146, a position he held until his death in 1177, the only period of his life which has been documented. He left a number of liturgical books to the cathedral.

The only extant piece of his is the conductus Congaudeant Catholici. The piece was part of the Codex Calixtinus, a work intended as a guide for travelers making the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage to a shrine in Santiago de Compostela. Congaudeant Catholici has been recorded by a number of groups devoted to medieval music, including Sequentia, The Rose Ensemble and others.

Selected recordings

• The Age of Cathedrals with Paul Hillier and Theatre of Voices, Harmonia Mundi, HMU 907157.

Sources

• Fuller, Sarah (2001). "Albertus Parisiensis". Grove Music Online. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.00457. ISBN 978-1-56159-263-0. Retrieved 1 September 2020. (subscription or UK public library membership required)
• Wright, Craig (2008) [1989]. Music and Ceremony at Notre Dame of Paris, 500–1550. Cambridge Studies in Music Series. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-08834-3.