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Intemarata Des Mater Nunc Dimittis Magnificat (Octavi toni) Surrexit pastor bonus Laboravi in gemitu meo Ego flos campi Si ignoras te Lauda mater ecclesia Vadam at circiubo Laudibus in sanctis Crux fidelis

Ockegham attrib. Desprez Cristobal de Morales Jean Uneritrer Philippe Rogier Jacob Clemens Palestrina Lassus Victoria Byrd King Joao IV

 

I would question the use of the word 'masterpiece'. It is an over-used and abused word. If the truth were known there are very few masterpieces in the whole history of music and while it is said that many so-called great composers have written masterpieces a detailed examination of their skill, craftsmanship and technique may prove otherwise.

The value of this disc is that it gives us a welcome slice of history. As with music of this period it all sounds very much the same and can become tedious as a result.What has to be said is that the performances are simply exquisite. A very lovely sound.

All the music is, however, slow and there is little contrast. But this is how music of the Latin liturgy was at the time. The technical skill of the composers is not questioned but, as the sleeve note states, the music is entirely functional.

You should investigate this disc and delight in the music's obvious sincerity. Seldom is there any emotional content or depth but that could also be said of a lot of music throughout the centuries.

Whilst I am not in favour of flippancy in church music or worship and deplore the Pentecostal and charismatic music of the last 50 years or so, I do think that this renaissance music errs a shade too far the other way.

It reminds me of that wonderful story... .and a true one... .of the conversation that Sir Hubert Parry had with Sir Charles Villiers Stanford after a performance of Elgar's Dream Of Gerontius. One remarked, "It stinks of incense." to which the other replied, "Oh, no, it doesn't. It just stinks."

One can sense the incense and the vast forbidding churches where these renaissance works would have been heard. I am not sure that the music reflects the severity of Catholicism of the time or the dignity due to God.

And as for the gem in this disc, it must be the Magnificat by Cristobel de Morales. It was truly spiritually uplifting. Simply gorgeous

Reviewer

David Wright

Performances

Recordings

Reviewer

David Wright

Performances

Recordings

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