Nymphes des bois, also known as La Déploration de Johannes Ockeghem, is a lament by Josquin des Prez (ca. 1445 – 1521) on the death of his predecessor, Ockeghem. Josquin was one of the most influential Renaissance composers and was considered a great master of his time.

The music is based on a poem (elegy) by Jean Molinet, a French poet and composer. The descending thirds in the chorus represent the names of the composers of that time: Josquin, Pierson, Brumel and Compére.

The lyrics to the chorus are:

Put on the clothes of mourning.
Josquin, Pierson, Brumel, Compére.
And weep great tears from your eyes,
For you have lost your good father.
May they rest in peace.
Amen

Excerpt graciously provided by the Tower Brass Quintet.

Composer: Anne McGinty
Instrumentation: 2 Trumpets, Horn, Trombone & Tuba
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 3:15 / 10 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: N/A