In the sixteenth century it was common for composers to adapt preexisting works, either in the form of adding new texts to existing music (contrafacta) or adding new voices.
The latter was often an act of musical homage to a revered master and there are many 'arrangements' of the works of Josquin Desprez.
The so-called Parody Mass, a work based on a preexisting polyphonic work, was also often an act of musical homage, though the model on which the mass was based was soemtimes due to its popularity or simply its liturgical or seasonal text.
The concert will include Ludwig Senfl's arrangement and expansion of Josquin's iconic Ave Maris...virgo serena, contrafacta by Tallis and the parody Mass Ego flos campi by Jacobus Vaet, based on the famous motet of that name by Clemens non Papa.
The Choir of King's College London is one of England's leading mixed-voice university choirs. They sing for the regular services in the College Chapel as well as at many external events. Renowned for their performances of renaissance polyphony, especially Spanish and English music, they have recently given concerts is France, Italy, St Petersburg and the USA. They have made numerous recordings, including recently a disc of music by Gregorio Allegri and broadcast regularly for the BBC.