Fama malum

Josquin des Prez's Fama malum draws on Virgil's Aeneid, depicting Rumour as a malevolent force. The Latin text vividly portrays Rumour's rapid growth from a small fear to a monstrous entity that soars into the clouds. This motet, for SATB choir, is a powerful example of secular Renaissance part-music, showcasing Josquin's mastery of word painting. The music effectively captures the dramatic and escalating nature of the text, making it a compelling choice for a concert programme where dramatic narrative and sophisticated polyphony are desired.