Search - Francisco Guerrero, Chapelle du Roi :: Francisco Guerrero: Vespers for All Saints; Missa por defunctis

Who Says "Cyber Friends" Aren't Valuable?

Giordano Bruno | Wherever I am, I am. | 02/03/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Francisco Guerrero is a major figure in my musical life. I've researched transcribed some of his works, played them and conducted them fairly frequently in recent years, and I've muttered and groaned here in the 'zoo about the meager number of listenable performances of his music... fewer than five of top quality, i would have guessed. But just yesterday, Qwerty (the previous reviewer) called this recording to my attention. I know nothing about the ensemble except that the estimable Edward Wickham, of the Clerks' Group, is involved. So...



... I downloaded the MP3. That was a mistake. The performance is too good to be sequestered in an iPod. Now I have to buy the CD also. I'll be interested to read the notes. The performance shows a very high level of musicological scholarship, of understanding 'how' Guerrero's music might have been sung in 16th C Spain or 17th C Mexico. These "vespers" are very solemn liturgical music, lots of plainchant encircling Guerrero's most poignant and spiritual polyphony. The polyphonic singing is tight, rhythmically insightful, warmly resonant. At last!"

Wonderful Program!

Qwerty | 06/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599) was a Spanish composer of the Renaissance who worked primarily in Seville. His work was both sacred and secular and included masses, motets, settings of the Passion, numerous secular songs, and instrumental pieces. He was able to capture an astonishing variety of moods in his music, from ecstasy to despair, longing, joy, and devotional stillness. His style is less intense than is famous compatriots Victoria and Morales, but alongside a gentle lyricism he displays a superb mastery of contrapuntal device, which places him among the great Spanish polyphonists. His music remained popular for hundreds of years, especially in cathedrals in Latin America.



Chapelle du Roi is a highly acclaimed early music vocal ensemble from England. Comprising of eight singers, their recordings are generally characterized by solid musicianship, stylistic authority, and clearly detailed vocal textures.



The first half of this recording presents Guerrero's collection of music written for the office of Vespers. The second half consists of Guerrero's Requiem mass in its original form. The style of plainchant heard and performed in Spain was rather different from that heard in other European territories. On this recording Chapelle du Roi has followed the instructions for semi-mensural performance given by Guerrero's colleague at Seville, Villafranca.



This is an engrossing, spiritual performance! The singing is balanced, clear, warm, and passionate. The recording quality is top notch. Chapelle du Roi's talent, commitment, and discretion get to the heart of Guerrero's composition, which ranges from soaring reverence to quiet contemplation. Highly recommended!"