Art.Nr.: NO26008 EAN: 4011254260085

Release date: September 2026

Even though the name Vicente Lusitano is hardly known today, he is arguably the most significant composer in Portuguese history. He is also likely the first Black composer whose works were published: Born around 1520 in Olivenca, Portugal, he is described in historical sources as *pardo* (Portuguese for “mixed-race”); his mother was presumably of African descent. Lusitano served for a time as a Catholic priest and traveled to Rome as part of the entourage of the Portuguese papal ambassador. In Italy, he soon made a name for himself as a music theorist, and his theoretical writings were published in various editions. In 1561, he converted to Protestantism and went to France and Germany, where all traces of him are lost.

Only a few of Lusitano’s works have survived, including his *Liber primus epigramatum*, printed in Rome in 1551—a collection of 23 magnificent sacred motets for 5 to 8 voices with direct references to Josquin Desprez. The ensemble Arte Minima has recorded this collection, which will be released as world premiere recordings. The second part of the collection is now available and contains sixteen motets for five voices.