Albertus Parisiensis
# Albertus Parisiensis

Albertus Parisiensis (fl. 1146–1177), also known as Albert of Paris, was a French cantor and composer. He is credited with creating the first known piece of European music for three voices.

## Life and career

Parisiensis was probably born in Estampes in the Arrondissement of Mirande. He served as canon at Notre Dame de Paris from 1127 and as cantor by 1146, a position he held until his death in 1177, the only period of his life which has been documented. He left a number of liturgical books to the cathedral.

The only extant piece of his is the conductus Congaudeant Catholici. The piece was part of the Codex Calixtinus, a work intended as a guide for travelers making the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage to a shrine in Santiago de Compostela. Congaudeant Catholici has been recorded by a number of groups devoted to medieval music, including Sequentia, The Rose Ensemble and others.

## Selected recordings

* The Age of Cathedrals with Paul Hillier and Theatre of Voices, Harmonia Mundi, HMU 907157.
