L’homme armé was a popular tune much used in the 15th century as a cantus firmus for sacred compositions, including this fine Mass by Josquin Desprez. The identity of the armed man is uncertain: he may have been Charles the Bold, or perhaps he signified the chivalric Order of the Golden Fleece founded in 1430. The martial theme is extended to include Clément Janequin’s famous Battle chanson, celebrating the French victory at the Battle of Marignan in 1515, and a Spanish ‘ensalada’ imitating Janequin’s work. The program is completed with Spanish partsongs and Marian motets by Mouton.
