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Missa prolationum

work by Okeghem
Also known as: “Prolation Mass”

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The Missa prolationum is a 15th-century mass by the composer Johannes Ockeghem. It is a prime example of Renaissance polyphonic choral music, a style characterized by the imitation of melodies between voice parts.123

This particular work is noted for its complex canonic technique, specifically a mensuration canon, where multiple voices sing the same melody but at different speeds. This sophisticated contrapuntal device, while subtle, contributes to the rich texture and continuous flow of the music. The Missa prolationum showcases Ockeghem's mastery in creating intricate yet sonorous choral harmony, a hallmark of the Franco-Flemish style he helped define.142

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