Guerrero: Missa Surge Propera and Motets for Voices and Winds

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and enchanting world of Francisco Guerrero's "Missa Surge Propera and Motets for Voices and Winds." This captivating album, released on April 1, 2006, under the ABC Classic label, is a testament to Guerrero's profound devotion to Mary and his mastery of choral music. Spanning 58 minutes, the album features the Sydney Chamber Choir, conducted by Michael Noone, and the Orchestra of the Renaissance, who bring Guerrero's compositions to life with stunning precision and passion.

The album opens with the radiant "Tota pulchra es Maria," a motet that sets the tone for the spiritual journey that follows. The centerpiece of the album is the "Missa Surge Propera," a six-voice mass that showcases Guerrero's intricate polyphony and rich harmonic language. Each movement of the mass, from the solemn "Kyrie" to the triumphant "Agnus Dei," is a testament to Guerrero's ability to evoke deep emotion and reverence.

In addition to the mass, the album features seven motets, several of which are dedicated to Mary. These motets, including the ethereal "Ave Virgo sanctissima" and the jubilant "Regina caeli," demonstrate Guerrero's versatility and his ability to convey a wide range of moods and emotions through his music.

The instrumental version of "Surge propera amica mea" adds a unique dimension to the album, showcasing the skill of the Orchestra of the Renaissance and providing a moment of reflection amidst the vocal works.

Whether you are a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, "Missa Surge Propera and Motets for Voices and Winds" is sure to captivate and inspire. Francisco Guerrero's music is a timeless testament to the power of faith and the beauty of the human voice.

April 1, 2006

(P) 2006 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

About Francisco Guerrero

Francisco Guerrero, born in 1528 in Seville, Spain, was a renowned composer of the Renaissance period, celebrated for his profound contributions to sacred and secular music. As a Catholic priest and chapel master, Guerrero's compositions reflect his deep spiritual devotion and musical genius. His journey began as a choirboy in Seville, and by the age of 18, he had already taken on the role of chapelmaster at Jaén Cathedral. Guerrero's extensive travels, including two pilgrimages to the Holy Lands, enriched his musical perspective and influenced his diverse body of work.

Throughout his career, Guerrero published numerous collections of his compositions, which include motets, masses, and secular songs. His music is characterized by its intricate polyphony and emotional depth, making him one of the leading figures in Spanish Renaissance music. Alongside Tomás Luis de Victoria and Cristóbal de Morales, Guerrero is recognized as one of the greatest Hispanic composers of all time, with his works appreciated across Europe and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences with its timeless beauty and spiritual resonance.