Officium Defunctorum: Ad Matutinum: Circumdederunt Me Gemitus Mortis
Officium Defunctorum: Invitatorium: Regem Cui Omnia Vivunt/Psalmus 94: Venite, Exultemus Domino
Officium Defunctorum: In Primo Nocturno: Versiculum: A Porta Infieri/Lectio I (Job 7 16-21): Parce M
Officium Defunctorum: In Primo Nocturno: Lectio II (Job 10, 1-7): Taedet Animam Meam Vitae
Officium Defunctorum: In Primo Nocturno: Lectio III (Job 10, 8-12): Manus Tuas
Officium Defunctorum: In Secundo Nocturno: Versiculum: Collocet Eos Cum Principibus/Responsorium...
Missa Pro Defunctis: Introitus
Missa Pro Defunctis: Kyrie
Missa Pro Defunctis: Graduale
Missa Pro Defunctis: Sequentia
Missa Pro Defunctis: Offertorium: Domine Jesu Christe V. Hostias Et Preces
Missa Pro Defunctis: Sanctus
Missa Pro Defunctis: Benedictus
Missa Pro Defunctis: Agnus Dei
Missa Pro Defunctis: Communio: Lux Aeterna V. Requiem Aeternam
Jordi Savall and his musicians recreate the starkly beautiful funeral music sung in Mexico City in 1559 at memorial ceremonies for Emperor Charles V. They perform Morales's score with a complement of cornet, sacbuts, and v... more »iols doubling the voices. (This was regularly done in 16th-century Spanish cathedrals; whether it was done at funerals is less clear.) Savall and his musicians are sensitive; and fascinating in the plainchant sequence Dies iræ, which is done with parallel fifths and similar embellishments. Ultimately, however, Savall is overly swayed by the music's simplicity: He makes Morales's music sound like the sort of austere workmanship one must admire but can rarely enjoy (like Shaker furniture or macrobiotic cuisine). --Matthew Westphal« less
Jordi Savall and his musicians recreate the starkly beautiful funeral music sung in Mexico City in 1559 at memorial ceremonies for Emperor Charles V. They perform Morales's score with a complement of cornet, sacbuts, and viols doubling the voices. (This was regularly done in 16th-century Spanish cathedrals; whether it was done at funerals is less clear.) Savall and his musicians are sensitive; and fascinating in the plainchant sequence Dies iræ, which is done with parallel fifths and similar embellishments. Ultimately, however, Savall is overly swayed by the music's simplicity: He makes Morales's music sound like the sort of austere workmanship one must admire but can rarely enjoy (like Shaker furniture or macrobiotic cuisine). --Matthew Westphal
"The most touching and beautiful recording from a choral piece of the Spanish Renaissance period. Jordi Savall opens us doors of heaven. Really inspiring and grandiose. You absolutly have to own it !"
Spanish music is absolutely the best!
Michael | 02/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is the finest recording I have heard of any choral music. It simply leaves me awestruck. I cannot think while I listen to this. Morales writes such beautiful, deep harmonies, and this group is more than capable of performing this. I absolutely feel that Morales would approve! Also, the organum on this CD is phenomenal. I have heard nothing like it! This CD will take you to another world."
Absolutely beautiful!
Edward J. Valente | 02/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This matins and Requiem provides a transport back to the beginnings of the Tridentine reform of these services. The chants are beautiful, and the polyphony just stunning! The opening "Circumdederunt me" is worth the price of the entire CD, it is so poignant. Of equally exceptional character are the "Regem cui" refrains to Ps. 94 and its finale, and the "Dirige". The Requiem pieces are somewhat austere and solemn, and commendable for that reason. I recommend this CD highly."
Divine Sadness
Michael | Louisville, Kentucky United States | 01/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am no musicologist. In fact, I can't read a note of music. And when I sing, people run in the opposite direction. But on this recording, I believe I have heard the voice of the Creator. What sublime sadness! What total surrender to the will of God! It is like listening to the soundtrack to one's own experiences with the loss of a loved one. The loss, the emptiness, the longing, the fear...but ultimately the hope and even the joy of a certain resurection. This is a music that touches some of our most basic needs. To remember the dead, to honor their memory and to contemplate our own place in the web of life. Buy it...because everyone needs food for the soul."
Hurray for Sad!!!
S. Browne | Chicago, USA | 08/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was very familiar with the Invitatorium section from Savall's album Francisco Javier. Actually, it was my favorite track, accompanying me on many dreary afternoons as I sat at my work computer, feeling sorry for myself for being at the terrible job. It was the perfect music for just such emotions. Now I have Savall's complete recording of it. What do I think? Is it possible to be joyful over such introverted, depressing voices? I guess so. Tonight at 10 when I commute home (from a new job I actually love) I'll be listening to this recording. Only I won't be feeling sorry for myself but merely unwinding. This music is made for that too. And it's raining too, so... PERFECT!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1
