GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Great Recordings and Reviews => Topic started by: Bogey on October 09, 2011, 03:08:23 PM

Title: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Bogey on October 09, 2011, 03:08:23 PM
I have this....would like to have more on the shelf:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RQCJESGZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

PS

At what date, in general, do you start your baroque timeline and where does it end?
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: PaulSC on October 09, 2011, 03:35:10 PM
Quote from: Bogey on October 09, 2011, 03:08:23 PM
I have this....would like to have more on the shelf:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RQCJESGZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

PS

At what date, in general, do you start your baroque timeline and where does it end?

I don't know that disc, although it looks interesting, and I'm not terribly knowledgeable about Spanish Baroque music (my favorite composer of the same, Domenico Scarlatti, isn't even Spanish). But in response to your PS, I think boundary dates of 1600 to 1750 make sense if you grant that music from the beginning of that period has antecedents in the Renaissance and that the end of that period saw the rise of early-Classical styles in e.g. the music of Bach's sons.

Of course, it's a long way to go from composers like Claudio Monteverdi and Girolamo Frescobaldi to Johan Sebastian Bach and George Frederick Handel...
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Drasko on October 10, 2011, 09:04:09 AM
Spanish Baroque is very interesting topic, on which unfortunately I know very little. Some rather superficial reading I did some time ago suggested that 17th century as back end of Siglo de oro represented decline of Spanish music after reaching its heights at late renaissance with likes of Morales, Guerrero and Victoria while 18th century was completely dominated by Italian style and musicians. But obviously it's not as clear cut as that. Spanish Baroque sees development of villancicos, tientos, zarzuelas, and basically what we today know as 'Spanish' sound and music, so it's definitely worth exploring. Again unfortunately I never got very far, but there are quite enough recordings available for someone who is interested. Forerunners have to be Spanish ensemble Al Ayre Espanol, if put through amazon search at least dozen discs will show, mostly with mixed repertoire but also two complete theatrical pieces by Antonio de Literes. Jordi Savall also recorded some, both for Virgin and Allia Vox, including complete disc devoted to Joan Cabanilles who is usually regarded as the most important of Spanish 17th century composers. Soprano Maria Bayo recorded two discs of arias by Jose de Nebra, probably the best Spanish 18th century opera composer (I have one of those discs, on Naive, and it is excellent). A complete recording of zarzuela Iphigenia en Tracia by de Nebra should come out on Glossa shortly. 
Then of course there is the question of Spanish composers who moved to South America, like Juan de Araujo or Tomas de Torrejon y Velasco.
Some of those questions were addressed by Eduardo Lopez Banzo (leader of Al Ayre Espanol) in this not so recent but still interesting interview:
http://www.culturekiosque.com/klassik/intervie/rhelopez.htm       
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Josquin des Prez on October 10, 2011, 09:16:01 AM
I only have works by Seixas and Soler, both of whom followed after Scarlatti. Other then that Spanish baroque is nearly non-existent in my collection.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: petrarch on October 11, 2011, 06:37:20 AM
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on October 10, 2011, 09:16:01 AM
I only have works by Seixas and Soler, both of whom followed after Scarlatti. Other then that Spanish baroque is nearly non-existent in my collection.

Seixas was portuguese, not spanish.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Josquin des Prez on October 11, 2011, 06:50:04 AM
Quote from: petrarch on October 11, 2011, 06:37:20 AM
Seixas was portuguese, not spanish.

Same thing, innit?
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: val on October 12, 2011, 11:47:20 PM
QuoteJosquin des Prez

Same thing, innit?

It depends. Yes, if you consider that Copland is an USA composer or Canadian (it's the same thing),  Dvorak a Czech composer or Polish (it's the same thing),  Grieg a Norwegian composer or Swedish (it's the same thing) or Purcell a Brittish composer or French (it's the same thing).

On the other hand, since Portugal and Spain are separated, as two independent countries for almost 900 years, it is not the same thing.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: The new erato on October 13, 2011, 01:26:55 AM
Quote from: val on October 12, 2011, 11:47:20 PM

On the other hand, since Portugal and Spain are separated, as two independent countries for almost 900 years, it is not the same thing.
They have much more sharply divided histories, not to mention languages, than Denmark, Norway or Sweden.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Grazioso on October 15, 2011, 04:49:33 AM
This box set looks like it contains a disc of Spanish baroque. Might be worth a shot:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FWlqOO1rL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Geo Dude on February 16, 2012, 04:06:51 PM
This is an interesting thread which seems to have died a bit early.  Is anyone familiar with composers of solo harpsichord music (Soler and Scarlatti aside) or solo organ music from the Spanish Baroque period?
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on February 16, 2012, 09:59:57 PM
Quote from: Grazioso on October 15, 2011, 04:49:33 AM
This box set looks like it contains a disc of Spanish baroque. Might be worth a shot:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FWlqOO1rL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

I actually contains Medieval and Renaissance Music. And has been reissued in a (even cheaper) slim line box, instead of this bulky one that is wasting my shelf space... ::) :)

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Bogey on February 24, 2012, 05:51:56 PM
Just ordered this one after sampling (which can be found on this link):

[asin]B002I9T59S[/asin]

I am sure I will follow up with Vol. II, but this year I am trying to limit myself to 1 cd per week, so maybe next Friday I will order it.  By doing so, I am finding that I am actually able to listen to them a few times through before my next one arrives. ;D

Thanks Miloš for the article above, which lead me to this recording.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on February 24, 2012, 11:06:39 PM
Quote from: Bogey on February 24, 2012, 05:51:56 PM
Just ordered this one after sampling (which can be found on this link):

[asin]B002I9T59S[/asin]

I am sure I will follow up with Vol. II, but this year I am trying to limit myself to 1 cd per week, so maybe next Friday I will order it.  By doing so, I am finding that I am actually able to listen to them a few times through before my next one arrives. ;D

I just ordered that one as well! So we can exchange notes. :)

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Bogey on February 25, 2012, 04:12:08 AM
Quote from: Que on February 24, 2012, 11:06:39 PM
I just ordered that one as well! So we can exchange notes. :)

Q

Very cool!  If it catches my ear like the samples did, I could see myself purchasing more from this ensemble.  It seems that there is just not a ton to choose from in Spanish Baroque, especially when I tend to stay away from solo harpsichord and solo guitar ( though this one I prefer from time to time).  However, I only really looked for some last night and I am hoping that since this disc and others from this ensemble have various composers that this will lead to yet other discoveries of recorded music from this genre. 
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: SonicMan46 on February 25, 2012, 09:06:06 AM
Hey Bill - this thread flew under my radar, but I must say that most of the Spanish Music in my collection is from the Medieval and Renaissance periods, including early examples w/ Moorish influence (don't know if we have a thread going on those two Spanish time slots but I could contribute more?).

But out of curiosity in searching a little on the web, I found the quote below from HERE (http://www.baroquemusic.org/barcomp.html#SP); then clicking on the LINK (http://www.baroquemusic.org/iberianbq.html) to Iberian composers from the mid-1500s to the mid-1700s, there are none in this list in my CD collection (unless on some composite disc?) - now I do have some keyboard music of Soler but he was more a transition into the classical period.

So, just as a declining world power in the Baroque era, Spanish music was also in decline - the 'Age of Discovery' seems to be have been the glory years for the Iberian peninsula - Dave :)

QuoteSignificant musical developments during the baroque period however, took place in other areas of Europe. Looking at the names of Spanish composers of 1650-1750, we find not one of any special note.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Bogey on February 25, 2012, 09:10:06 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 25, 2012, 09:06:06 AM
Hey Bill - this thread flew under my radar, but I must say that most of the Spanish Music in my collection is from the Medieval and Renaissance periods, including early examples w/ Moorish influence (don't know if we have a thread going on those two Spanish time slots but I could contribute more?).

But out of curiosity in searching a little on the web, I found the quote below from HERE (http://www.baroquemusic.org/barcomp.html#SP); then clicking on the LINK (http://www.baroquemusic.org/iberianbq.html) to Iberian composers from the mid-1500s to the mid-1700s, there are none in this list in my CD collection (unless on some composite disc?) - now I do have some keyboard music of Soler but he was more a transition into the classical period.

So, just as a declining world power in the Baroque era, Spanish music was also in decline - the 'Age of Discovery' seems to be have been the glory years for the Iberian peninsula - Dave :)

Thanks for that quote, Dave.  Very cool and makes the search for Spanish baroque gems that much more fun.  Let the hunt begin! :)
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Bogey on March 03, 2012, 06:19:46 AM
Until recently, Spanish music of the 17th and 18th centuries was a mystery to most music lovers.  There seemed to be a great, soundless, black hole between, on the one hand, a dazzling 16th century, in which names such as Morales, Guerrero, and Victoria stand out among the many pinnacles in an imposing range of Iberian musicians, and on the other, the late 19th century with the explosion of colour represented by the music of Albeniz, Granados, and Falla.....

Nevertheless, there were glimmers of light in the darkness of oblivion, which spoke eloquently of the Iberian musical culture: the Italians Domenico Scarlatti and Luigi Boccherini....

Spanish baroque music for instrumental groups remains an enigma.  True, musical theorists and writers on musical aesthetics always suggest the predominance of the vocal over the instrumental.

On the other hand, we have plenty of evidence that instrumental musical was cultivated at court, among nobility and in the cathedrals.


These are all quotes that I found to be of interest to me in the liner notes of this newly arrived cd:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516o9jtLJpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

My wife and I both agree that the disc above has a more "Renaissance" sound than what we are used to with baroque.  However, we are enjoying the music so much so that I just ordered the next volume:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512w4AZ4eLL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

Que, did your Volume 1 disc arrive?
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on March 03, 2012, 10:44:04 PM
Quote from: Bogey on March 03, 2012, 06:19:46 AM

Que, did your Volume 1 disc arrive?

Yes, it did. :) The day before yesterday - I might play it this morning.

The Spanish Baroque seems a neglected area of music. Maybe we should speak of "Iberian" Baroque since the Spanish form a musical family with the Portuguese (with the Spanish in the lead), or even "Hispanic" to include the music that was composed in the Spanish and Portuguese territories in the Americas. Note that the French label K617 dedicated a whole series Les Chemins du Baroque (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cd-baroque.com%2Findex.php%2Feng%2Faccueil%2Fdisques_k617%2Fcatalogue%2Fbaroque_latino_americain%2F%28type%29%2Fcollection&lp=fr_en&btnTrUrl=Translate) on that, consisting of 57 recordings! :o I believe you're interested in the history of the Americas, so it might worth investigating.  :)

Other things I noted about Spanish Baroque is that it is, probably due the religious and hence cultural conservatism that started under Philips II, conservative as well. A lot of musical conventions of the Renaissance continued to be used well into the Baroque era. The impulse for change and renewal came from outside Spain, from Italian and particularly Neapolitan composers and music. The huge influence of Domenico Scarlatti, who worked at the Portuguese and Spanish courts, is of course the prime example.

I'll posts some of the recordings I have in the coming time. :)

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Bogey on March 04, 2012, 03:49:38 AM
Quote from: Que on March 03, 2012, 10:44:04 PM
Yes, it did. :) The day before yesterday - I might play it this morning.

The Spanish Baroque seems a neglected area of music. Maybe we should speak of "Iberian" Baroque since the Spanish form a musical family with the Portuguese (with the Spanish in the lead), or even "Hispanic" to include the music that was composed in the Spanish and Portuguese territories in the Americas. Note that the French label K617 dedicated a whole series Les Chemins du Baroque (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cd-baroque.com%2Findex.php%2Feng%2Faccueil%2Fdisques_k617%2Fcatalogue%2Fbaroque_latino_americain%2F%28type%29%2Fcollection&lp=fr_en&btnTrUrl=Translate) on that, consisting of 57 recordings! :o I believe you're interested in the history of the Americas, so it might worth investigating.  :)

Other things I noted about Spanish Baroque is that it is, probably due the religious and hence cultural conservatism that started under Philips II, conservative as well. A lot of musical conventions of the Renaissance continued to be used well into the Baroque era. The impulse for change and renewal came from outside Spain, from Italian and particularly Neapolitan composers and music. The huge influence of Domenico Scarlatti, who worked at the Portuguese and Spanish courts, is of course the prime example.

I'll posts some of the recordings I have in the coming time. :)

Q

Oh, this is going to be cool!  *dusts off shelf space for onslaught of recordings that will be bought in the near future*
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Bogey on March 10, 2012, 08:00:52 AM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512w4AZ4eLL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)


Vol. II is much like Vol. I....the liner notes do discuss how musicians from Italy and France were brought into the courts during the baroque period.  Greta listening.

After Que's last post, this reminded me of music I had heard on the radio and enjoyed, so ordered Vol1:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/6113JAJV7KL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

Here is a neat news piece on this music from 2009:

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-3445_162-2661717.html

This disc has been featured on our local classical channel may times.  I enjoyed what I heard so took the plunge.  Henry Villca Suntra is a composer featured on the disc.  Does anyone have any information of him?



Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: milk on July 18, 2012, 05:54:27 AM
Just a couple of things I'm enjoying that I wanted to throw up here - one old; the other, not so old:
(http://cdn.tradebit.org/usr/mp3-album/pub/9002/421/421272/42127297.jpg)
(http://jsbach.up.seesaa.net/image/Belder_Soler_04.jpg)
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on July 23, 2017, 12:02:40 AM
Quote from: Que on March 03, 2012, 10:44:04 PM
Yes, it did. :) The day before yesterday - I might play it this morning.

The Spanish Baroque seems a neglected area of music. Maybe we should speak of "Iberian" Baroque since the Spanish form a musical family with the Portuguese (with the Spanish in the lead), or even "Hispanic" to include the music that was composed in the Spanish and Portuguese territories in the Americas. Note that the French label K617 dedicated a whole series Les Chemins du Baroque (http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cd-baroque.com%2Findex.php%2Feng%2Faccueil%2Fdisques_k617%2Fcatalogue%2Fbaroque_latino_americain%2F%28type%29%2Fcollection&lp=fr_en&btnTrUrl=Translate) on that, consisting of 57 recordings! :o I believe you're interested in the history of the Americas, so it might worth investigating.  :)

Other things I noted about Spanish Baroque is that it is, probably due the religious and hence cultural conservatism that started under Philips II, conservative as well. A lot of musical conventions of the Renaissance continued to be used well into the Baroque era. The impulse for change and renewal came from outside Spain, from Italian and particularly Neapolitan composers and music. The huge influence of Domenico Scarlatti, who worked at the Portuguese and Spanish courts, is of course the prime example.

I'll posts some of the recordings I have in the coming time. :)

Q

A project that unfortunately never materialised..... But I intend to rectify that in the time ahead! :)

Since then my collection of music from the Iberian peninsula has grown considerably.  8)

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on July 23, 2017, 12:39:12 AM
Quote from: HIPster on July 07, 2017, 05:36:38 AM
Now playing ~

[asin]B00ESNNYFS[/asin]

Such a great Que recommendation!   ;)

Any other releases by this group you particularly recommend for further exploration?

Dear friend, it is appropriate to start the rebirth of this tread with the response to this question that I still owe you.....

First of all, I'm delighted that you enjoyed the Lobo recording as much as I did. :)

Good Spanish groups are not so numerous.
But Albert Recasens and his La Grande Chapelle are proof of a new generation of period ensembles in Spain with a modern day high professional standard.
As often the case with this genre, recordings are on tiny, hard to find labels. In this case Lauda Musica, which offers beautiful presentation and high recording quality BTW.

A discography of La Grande Chapelle is to be found on Lauda Music's pretty website HERE (http://en.laudamusica.com/discografia.php).

Recordings I particularly like to recommend are the two recordings of sacred music by Baroque composer José De Nebra and the Matteo Romero recording.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y8G60ZVCL.jpg)  (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/517D%2BW4ktiL.jpg)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51qvp0bLreL.jpg)

I do apologise in advance if availability turns out to be a nightmare.... ??? But you managed to unearth the Lobo, so who knows?

I'll see if I can find some previous comments and repost them here...

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on July 23, 2017, 12:56:56 AM
**REPOST**

Music from Spain, dating from the transition from Renaissance to Baroque.

[asin]B000BO0Q0E[/asin]

Based at the Philip II's court in Madrid, Matteo Romero (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mateo_Romero_(composer)) was born in Liège (then part of the Spanish territories in the Southern Netherlands - present day Belgium) as Mathieu Rosmarin and belongs to the fifth and last generation of the Franco-Flemish School (incl. Lassus, de Rore, Vaet, de Weert). What I hear are is basically Italian style from the dawn of Baroque, mixed in with influence from the tradition of the Northern Netherlands, topped with a Spanish flavour - for example the typical conservative use of Gregorian style interludes.

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on July 23, 2017, 01:20:41 AM
.[asin]B000JR0DRO[/asin]
Though this is from the Baroque, José de Nebra applied the Stile Antico (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stile_antico) here with the use,  amongst others things, of Gregorian chant. A conservative, retrospective style, which might appeal more to Early Music lovers. :)

A very informative review from Fanfare:

Quote
José de Nebra, one of Spain's leading 18th-century composers, was born into a musical family in Calatayud, where he was baptized on January 6, 1702. His initial musical training took place under his father, José Antonio Nebra, who became in turn organist and then maestro di capilla at Cuenca Cathedral. In 1719, the younger Nebra moved to Madrid, where he became organist at a convent and started to compose for the theaters in the city. Five years later he was appointed as organist at the royal chapel. After turning down offers to become maestro at Santiago Cathedral, and organist at Cuenca, Nebra was appointed vice-maestro of the royal chapel (in 1751), remaining in Madrid until his death on July 11, 1768.

Nebra's extensive output, which includes both stage works and a large body of sacred music, has hardly begun to be explored on record, although a zarzuela, Viento es la dicha de Amor (1743), was reviewed with great enthusiasm by David Johnson in Fanfare 20:2; and Tom Moore was no less responsive to a recording of his 1751 Matins in 25:5. The present setting of the Vespers psalms and Magnificat is the last of four settings made by Nebra, appearing in 1758 under the title "Vespers for the community of saints or the Virgin." Here it has been put into the context of a liturgical reconstruction for the Office of Vespers for the "Common of Confessors not Popes," and includes three of the Vespers psalms—Dixit Dominus, Beatis vir, and Laudate pueri—along with two further appropriate psalms, plainsong antiphons, and the hymn Iste confessor.

Unlike Nebra's other Vespers settings, which have orchestral accompaniment, this one is a strictly a capella work for four voices, here sung one to a part. A variety of alternatim choices have been made, mostly polyphony and plainsong, but in the case of Confitebor tibi the verses alternate between fauxbourdon (simply harmonized chant) and organ, while Laudate pueri is shared between organ and polyphony. In general terms, Nebra's polyphony is extremely restrained, with little use of melisma or word repetition, relying rather on an exquisite use of dissonance and harmonic shifts for its often profound effect. It is music whose timelessness is betrayed only by the odd touch that anchors it to its own century.

Much the most ambitious setting is that of the Magnificat, where the willingness the composer had shown elsewhere to admit limited word-painting (at "De torrente" in Dixit Dominus, for example, where the four parts tumble over each other in dramatically surging fashion) comes into greater play, along with generally greater expansiveness. "Quia respexit" employs some of Nebra's most affectingly beautiful dissonance to illustrate the "humble state" of the Virgin, while "Et misericordia" not only introduces a startling flattened tone on the second syllable of "misercordia," but darker, harsher dissonance at the words "timentibus eum" ("who fear him").

But dominating all this music is a feeling of a profound, understated spirituality that is further enhanced by performances that do it full justice. The substantial contribution of the plainsong Schola Antiqua under their director Juan Carlos Asensio (who was responsible for the reconstruction) is beautifully judged, while the four voices of La Grande Chapelle (Anne Cambier, soprano; Timothy Travers-Brown, alto; Nicholas Mulroy, tenor; and Jonathan Brown, bass) are not only excellent individually, but also blend perfectly, creating a finely worked web of sound in Nebra's polyphony, while producing some admirably animated singing in the rarer moments where a more extrovert approach is required. Herman Stinder's playing on a dulcetly toned positive organ is also worthy of praise, although it does not sound as if it has any Spanish characteristics. But then neither does the vocal writing, which is rather that of the stile antico that was still very much alive and well in the mid 18th century. The sound and presentation are both outstanding, although the actual texts are unfortunately printed in very small type. But that should be no deterrent to investigating an exceptional recording of music of high quality.

FANFARE: Brian Robin

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on July 28, 2017, 11:34:11 PM
Another from my collection:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/911JIILI+wL._SS500_.jpg)

Like I said on the Listening thread: here is superb disc of motets by the unknown and underrated Spanish Renaissance composer  Fernando De Las Infantas (http://www.almaviva.es/catalogodefault.php?disco=DS-0140&lang=en).

These motets are pretty advanced in style, absorbing influences from the late Franco-Flemish School (Josquin) and earlier Spanish composers like Morales.
The result are motets, ranging from 4 to 8 parts, with long, interweaving and blending lines. Continuously developing.
Execution by Michael Noone and his Ensemble Plus Ultra is examplary: there is a perfectly blending of sound whithout blurring the individual parts.
In its individuality and modernity in style, this composer holds his own, aided by a wonderful performance.

Recommended.

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Spineur on July 29, 2017, 03:24:07 AM
In case somebody else wonders, Blasco de Nebra, mostly known for his classical piano work is, according to wikipedia, the son of José de Nebra discussed in this thread.  Like his father he was an organist.  He died at only 33.

He also wrote some vocal works.  I was told some recording exist but they are not available commercially.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Mandryka on August 16, 2017, 03:13:14 AM
Very much enjoying Jantina Noorman and confreres on this transfer of an LP with a Christopher Columbus theme by Michael Murrow. What I love about these Musica Reservata performances from the 1960s and 1970s is the sense of experimentation. Noorman could sing classically, but he had her sing like a fish wife from Sardinia, partly because he thought that those European folk traditions were untainted by romanticism, and so were more like early singing - clearly more work needs to be done with conclusion there! Travel in time = travel in space.

I also suspect that part of his motivation, like Pérès and Schmelzer and indeed Harnoncourt, was to disorientate.

https://youtube.com/v/tqAoaOttygo
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: North Star on August 16, 2017, 08:09:24 AM
Just starting to listen to this album by Capella de la Torre - a selection from the Cancionero Musical de Palacio, a collection of vocal and instrumental music for Queen Isabella's court, the collection dates from around 1505-1520, apparently prepared after Isabella's death to preserve the court orchestras' repertory.

[asin]B00MYJ1C0M[/asin]
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on August 17, 2017, 12:18:47 AM
Any good music from the time of the Spanish Inquisition? 

Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Mandryka on August 17, 2017, 12:35:57 AM
Quote from: XB-70 Valkyrie on August 17, 2017, 12:18:47 AM
Any good music from the time of the Spanish Inquisition?

https://www.youtube.com/v/Nf_Y4MbUCLY
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: XB-70 Valkyrie on August 17, 2017, 09:29:27 AM
Nobody expected that!
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: North Star on August 17, 2017, 09:33:25 AM
Anyone who bothers to look into this thread should have this set, especially for the Morales disc.
[asin]B0026S1XVO[/asin]
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Carlo Gesualdo on February 16, 2020, 06:02:16 AM
This is my favorite composer of Portugal,  I remember 10-15 yrs ago, I order the splendid album  of Cardoso Requiem perform by Tallis scholars, it was so awesome, on of their best(Tallis Scholars) and  order from another ensemble missa Miserere Mihi Domine(on Harmonia Mundi) since I was so impress, what a great master.

On another forum some dude, said Portugal was a sh*t hole , whit no culture no talent  no super composer, I was angry at him, did he just investigate composer of Portugal like I just did Lobo is another  good master, but Cardoso I mean wow, I was blown away, what about Maghales  Missa are they state of the art too, very well done.

This post is about Cardoso doe, There a lot of recording of him, he an important composer in the matrix of composer of renaissance for sure, I strongly disagree whit the idiot whom mention Portugal, had no talents.

I subject you guys purchased both of these album. Or thy out the naxos Portuguese Polyphony it's a fine compilation thumbs up naxos, am I alone to like this composer are what, please comment tell me what you think of these albums I mention?
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: JCBuckley on February 17, 2020, 03:39:37 AM
Quote from: North Star on August 17, 2017, 09:33:25 AM
Anyone who bothers to look into this thread should have this set, especially for the Morales disc.
[asin]B0026S1XVO[/asin]

100% agree. A glorious set.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Carlo Gesualdo on February 17, 2020, 04:53:00 AM
sir this look good and most sound good, what walk like a duck, quack like a duck, it most be a duck, as a rational thinker I agree JCBuckley, great set of the great Iberic masters, I love Iberac ancient lore renaissance, this Jordi Savall most be sweet indeed I says.

It's a catastrophe this earthquake in Iberian Peninsula, we lost a lot of music, to our sadness, Iberic Masters wrote the prettiest music,What about this awesome  CD of  Cristobal de Morales new by La Grande Chapelle done by a super conductor smart AlbertRecacasens, this release called Lamentabatur Iacob is pretty epic in a true sense,, the sleeve of the media itself is lovely  painting, the music insinde is prettyy on Lauda label, I fully endorse this , Bravo!!!
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Carlo Gesualdo on February 28, 2020, 08:47:45 AM
So what can I says I'm blown away by this release on Andalusian label release of Ensemble plus Ultra, very nice, smart, moving performance, very clever in the end.

I love the art of Motets and this is splendid, wonderful, Joyful, just wondering if you heard of this Seville classic composer of taste, prestigious polyphony.Do you heard more of him? on other labels or ensemble?
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Iota on February 29, 2020, 06:21:33 AM
Quote from: Que on July 28, 2017, 11:34:11 PM
Another from my collection:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/911JIILI+wL._SS500_.jpg)

Like I said on the Listening thread: here is superb disc of motets by the unknown and underrated Spanish Renaissance composer  Fernando De Las Infantas (http://www.almaviva.es/catalogodefault.php?disco=DS-0140&lang=en).

These motets are pretty advanced in style, absorbing influences from the late Franco-Flemish School (Josquin) and earlier Spanish composers like Morales.
The result are motets, ranging from 4 to 8 parts, with long, interweaving and blending lines. Continuously developing.
Execution by Michael Noone and his Ensemble Plus Ultra is examplary: there is a perfectly blending of sound whithout blurring the individual parts.
In its individuality and modernity in style, this composer holds his own, aided by a wonderful performance.

Recommended.

Q

Thanks, both, another interesting sounding name to join the list. I've only heard one short Las Infantas work, on an album of Renaissance selections which I liked, so will see if I can track this down for an online listen.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Carlo Gesualdo on November 07, 2020, 08:38:37 PM
José Melchor Baltasar Gaspar Nebra Blasco (January 6, 1702 – July 11, 1768) was a Spanish composer. His work combines Spanish traditions with the Italian style of his day.


Contents
1   Biography
2   Works
2.1   Sacred works
2.2   Operas
2.3   Zarzuelas
3   Notable performances
4   Selected recordings
5   References
6   External links
Biography
José de Nebra was born in Calatayud[1] and was taught by his father, José Antonio Nebra Mezquita (1672–1748), organist and master of choirboys at the Cathedral of Cuenca from 1711 until 1729. Two brothers were also musicians: Francisco Javier Nebra Blasco (1705–1741), organist of La Seo in Zaragoza until he moved to Cuenca in 1729, then succeeded by his brother Joaquín Ignacio Nebra Blasco (1709–1782) till his death.[2] He died in Madrid.

More than 170 works by Nebra survive: masses, psalms, litanies, a Stabat Mater, a Salve Regina, cantatas, villancicos, and around thirty keyboard works. But his significance is as the leading late-Baroque composer of Spanish opera and zarzuela.[citation needed]

Works
Sacred works
Aromática rosa Americana
Miserere
Para un triunfo que el orbe
Requiem for Queen Barbara of Braganza
Rompan los vagos espacios
Salve regina
Cantata: Entre candidos bellos
Operas
Amor aumenta el valor (collective work, 1st act only), 1728
Venus y Adonis, 1729
Más gloria es triunfar de sí. Adriano in Syria, 1737
No todo indicio es verdad. Alexander in Asia, 1744
Antes que zelos y amor, la piedad llama al valor. Achilles in Troy 1747
Zarzuelas
Las proezas de Esplandián y el valor deshace encantos, 1729
Amor, ventura y valor logran el triunfo mayor, 1739
Viento es la dicha de amor, 1743
Donde hay violencia no hay culpa, 1744
Vendado es Amor, no es ciego, 1744
Cautelas contra cautelas y el rapto de Ganimedes, 1745
La colonia de Diana, 1745
Para obsequio a la deydad, nunca es culto la crueldad. Iphigenia en Tracia (Thrace), 1747
No hay perjurio sin castigo, 1747
Notable performances
The composer's 250th anniversary in 2018 saw the programming of some of his works, for example at Musica Antigua Aranjuez, the early music festival at Aranjuez. A performance of the opera Venus y Adonis has been scheduled for 2019 by the Centro Nacional de Difusión Musical.[3]

Selected recordings
1996 - Viento es la dicha de amor (zarzuela). Ensemble Baroque de Limoges, dir. Christophe Coin. Naïve
2001 – Miserere. Al Ayre Español. Deutsche Harmonia Mundi
Sonata, op. 1 no. 4 for harpsichord, performed by Janine Johnson
2005 – La Cantada Española en América. Al Ayre Español. Harmonia Mundi
2006 - Vispera de Confesores. La Grande Chapelle, dir. Àngel Recasens. Lauda Musica
2006 - Arias de Zarzuelas. María Bayo, Al Ayre Español, dir. Eduardo López Banzo. Harmonia Mundi
2010 – Amor aumenta el valor (opera). Los Músicos de Su Alteza. Alpha
2011 - Cantatas. Esta Dulzura Amable. Al Ayre Español, dir. Eduardo López Banzo. Challenge Classics
2011 - Principio des Maitines de Navidad; Responsorium I, Nocturno 1, Nativitatis Domini. "Madrid 1752, Madrid Barroco, dir. Grover Wilkins. Dorian
2011 - Iphigenia en Tracia (zarzuela). El concierto español, dir. Emilio Moreno. Glossa
2019 - Requiem. La Madrileña - Coro Victoria - Schola Antiqua, dir. José Antonio Montaño. Pan Classics
2020 - Vendado es Amor, no es ciego (zarzuela). Los elementos, dir.Alberto Miguélez Rouco. Glossa
Ref
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: vers la flamme on November 09, 2020, 02:26:51 AM
I picked this up at Half Price Books recently:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71DzbdnMdCL._SL500_.jpg)

It's damn good, especially the Duarte Lobo and Manuel Cardoso stuff.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on December 13, 2020, 02:03:39 AM
Cross-post from the listening thread:

A reminder of the treasures already in my collection:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71bHJQrdH0L._SS500_.jpg)

For Spanish Baroque aficionados, I can only endorse Johan van Veen's strong recommendation:

http://www.musica-dei-donum.org/cd_reviews/Lauda_LAU010.html

https://laudamusica.com/en/discografia-info.php?ref=LAU010

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on December 24, 2020, 03:09:55 AM
Cross-posted from the listening thread:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71o6iLaUyaL._SS500_.jpg)

Splendid Spanish High Baroque in splendid performances.  A beautiful blend of earlier traditions in Spanish music and "modern" Italian influences. Particularly the instrumental parts for woodwinds are beautiful and a De Hita trademark.

http://www.musica-dei-donum.org/cd_reviews/Lauda_LAU009.html

For a complete recording of the Canciones instrumentales:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81x1UNu4lpL._SS500_.jpg)

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Biffo on December 24, 2020, 03:13:03 AM
Quote from: Que on December 24, 2020, 03:09:55 AM
Cross-posted from the listening thread:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71o6iLaUyaL._SS500_.jpg)

Splendid Spanish High Baroque in splendid performances.  A beautiful blend of earlier traditions in Spanish music and "modern" Italian influences. Particularly the instrumental parts for woodwinds are beautiful and a De Hita trademark.

http://www.musica-dei-donum.org/cd_reviews/Lauda_LAU009.html

For a complete recording of the Canciones instrumentales:

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81x1UNu4lpL._SS500_.jpg)

Q

Both discs look interesting, I will have to see what Spotify has available - this is a composer completely new to me.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on December 24, 2020, 03:20:59 AM
Quote from: Biffo on December 24, 2020, 03:13:03 AM
Both discs look interesting, I will have to see what Spotify has available - this is a composer completely new to me.

I recall that some recordings by Recasens are available on Spotify.

I'm kind of addicted to recordings by Catalan conductors Ángel and Albert Recasens: beautiful Spanish/Catalan Baroque music unknown to the rest of the world in superb, expertly done period performances. On top of that: great sound & lavish presentation by their family owned label Lauda (http://en.laudamusica.com) . I have collected quite a few of their recordings (http://en.laudamusica.com/discografia.php) with La Grande Chapelle already. Sadly, Ángel Recasens passed away in 2007. But his son Albert is a worthy successor.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Biffo on December 24, 2020, 03:36:53 AM
Quote from: Que on December 24, 2020, 03:20:59 AM
I recall that some recordings by Recasens are available on Spotify.

I'm kind of addicted to recordings by Catalan conductors Ángel and Albert Recasens: beautiful Spanish/Catalan Baroque music unknown to the rest of the world in superb, expertly done period performances. On top of that: great sound & lavish presentation by their family owned label Lauda (http://en.laudamusica.com) . I have collected quite a few of their recordings (http://en.laudamusica.com/discografia.php) with La Grande Chapelle already. Sadly, Ángel Recasens passed away in 2007. But his son Albert is a worthy successor.

Thanks for the info. After checking my collection I found a couple of discs from Albert and La Grande Chapelle - works by Duron and Vals.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Que on December 24, 2020, 03:39:34 AM
Quote from: Biffo on December 24, 2020, 03:36:53 AM
Thanks for the info. After checking my collection I found a couple of discs from Albert and La Grande Chapelle - works by Duron and Vals.

How is the Durón?  :)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/819XMB0jWmL._SX500_.jpg)

Q
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Biffo on December 24, 2020, 03:42:02 AM
Quote from: Que on December 24, 2020, 03:39:34 AM
How is the Durón?  :)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/819XMB0jWmL._SX500_.jpg)

Q

I haven't listened to it for a while so I would have to refresh my memory - I am sure I enjoyed it. I have listened to the Vals more often.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: milk on May 25, 2022, 05:07:13 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51r963ILNmS._SY445_SX342_QL70_ML2_.jpg)
I think this is the first time a particular singer has caught my attention. I guess I'm listening to more vocal music these days (though I dislike opera). Maria Cristina Kiehr! She's great. I don't know what this is or what the titles mean but the second track: La Carretera - Cumbees. It's gorgeous.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Mandryka on May 25, 2022, 06:16:20 AM
Quote from: milk on May 25, 2022, 05:07:13 AM
Maria Cristina Kiehr! She's great.

Agreed, I know her through this (not a recommendation for the cd, but her voice is nice.)

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTI1NDc4My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mzc4NTM0NTd9)
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: milk on May 25, 2022, 07:40:52 AM
Quote from: Mandryka on May 25, 2022, 06:16:20 AM
Agreed, I know her through this (not a recommendation for the cd, but her voice is nice.)

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTI1NDc4My4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2Mzc4NTM0NTd9)
I like that. I see she's fairly prolific; she's on some Monteverdi in addition to various recordings of Spanish and "new world" baroque. I also notice she's on a Bach motets recording. That I want to hear.
I'm interested in any recommendations of other voices with a similar quality. Up until now, soprano has been my least favorite vocal range.
Title: Re: Music from the Spanish & Portuguese Baroque and Renaissance
Post by: Mandryka on May 25, 2022, 08:33:43 AM
Paloma Gutierrez del Arroyo (Bernart de Ventadorn with Manuel Vilas)
Sabine Lutzenberger (Walther von der Vogelweide with Per Sonat)
Francesca Cassinari (Josquin with Michele Cinquina, a handful of songs by Antonio Zacara da Teramo on the complete works set by Alpha -- use spotify to find which songs)
Maria Skiba (Dowland with Frank Pschichholz)
Suzie Leblanc (Tobias Hume)
Zsuzsi Tóth (Chantilly Codex II with Tetraktys)