Eustache Du Caurroy’s Preces ecclesiasticæ, co-published by Éditions du Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles, Éditions Klincksieck and the Centre d’études supérieures de la Renaissance, brings together the two collections bearing the same title published in 1609 by Pierre Ballard.

This 16th-century musician from Picardy, who was official composer to Henri IV and died in 1609, marked the transition between the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In the 17th century, he was recognised for the perfection of his compositions, and often cited as an example. His writing is characterised by imitative counterpoint and expressive melismas, paying homage to his models Josquin Desprez and Adrian Willaert, while allowing himself unexpected modulations, suspensions and occasionally exploiting the principles of measured music. This edition features a series of religiously inspired motets, hymns and canticles, mainly for 4 and 5 voices.