Clemens Deus Artifex

CD Clemens Deus Artifex La Main Harmonique

Pierre Roger, former religious novice at La Chaise-Dieu, who became Pope by the name of Clement VI, decided to finance the overall reconstruction of La Chaise-Dieu, where he would be buried in accordance with his wishes.
Under his pontificate, the papal court at Avignon acquired the best singers from across Europe. Polyphonic music now added its magnificence to the spiritual dimension and helped to demonstrate the power, authority and legitimacy of the highest representative of the Catholic Church. The best example of this is the extremely virtuosic motet by Philippe de Vitry ("Petre Clemens" included in the CD's playlist.
The title "Clemens Deus Artifex" takes its name from the Gloria chosen for the re-enactment of this mass. Written in the "motet" style, it is comprised of a tenor upon which the two higher voices play out, each one having a different text. The first voice pronounces the text of the Gloria, while the second articulates a text which is a scarcely-concealed tribute to Pope Clement VI, one of the Popes to contribute most towards extending the influence of the Court of Avignon.