Guillaume Dufay's Estate Report Guillaume Dufay's estate report mentions a fragment of the girdle of Saint Anthony, which, along with other relics, was in Dufay's possession. Dufay's devotion to this saint was particularly evident in his Mass, whose Alleluia was dedicated to the glorious Anthony. Even after centuries, the extraordinary beauty of this composition remains undisputed.
In the Middle Ages, earthly life was considered a preparation for death, with the intercession of the saints regarded as essential for the salvation of the soul. Mary was especially revered as an intercessor, and motets in her honor enjoyed great popularity in the fifteenth century.
At that time, ecclesiastical institutions benefited from endowments intended to serve the salvation of souls after death. Dufay ensured that several of his Masses, including one in honor of Saint Anthony, were performed annually. After his death, his desire for the saint's intercession gained even more significance.
In his will, Dufay stipulated that manuscripts of his masses be deposited for recurring performances. The Mass for Saint Anthony was performed in the Chapel of St. Stephen, and it is believed that Dufay had a particularly personal connection to this saint.
The Mass in honor of Saint Anthony was highly regarded by music lovers and was an integral part of liturgical life until the church in Cambrai was closed. Long considered lost, parts of this composition were only recently rediscovered.
The musical diversity that Dufay unfolds in his mass testifies to a special creativity that was perhaps particularly valued in bygone eras. Its movements surprise with their variety and sonic beauty, inviting repeated listening.
The Proper movements, in particular, reveal the depth and virtuosity of the mass and lend the work a unique character.
Although life is fleeting, Dufay's musical devotion to Saint Anthony lives on in modern recordings and thus remains accessible to future generations. These recordings give his work a form of immortality.