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.^[1]

He probably originally came from Estampes in the Arrondissement of Mirande. Albertus served as canon at Notre Dame de Paris from 1127 and as cantor by 1146, a position he held until his death in 1177,^[2] 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.^[3] 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.

Recording

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

References

1. "Magister Albertus Pariensis Albert". Encyclopédia Larousee. Retrieved 7 November 2010.
2. Wright, Craig. Music and Ceremony at Notre Dame of Paris, 500-1550. Cambridge Studies in Music Series, Cambridge University Press, October, 2008, p. 279
3. Grove

• Sarah Fuller. "Albertus Parisiensus", Grove Music Online, ed. L. Macy (accessed April 1, 2006), grovemusic.com (subscription access).