Immerse yourself in the resplendent world of Renaissance polyphony with Francisco Guerrero's "Missa Congratulamini mihi & Other Works." This captivating album, released in 2010, showcases the masterful compositions of Francisco Guerrero, a prominent Spanish composer of the late Renaissance period. The centerpiece of this collection is the radiant and joyful "Missa Congratulamini mihi," a five-part mass setting based on an Easter motet by Thomas Crecquillon. Guerrero's skillful use of texture and harmony is evident throughout the mass, with notable sections featuring a trio in the Gloria and a poignant duet followed by another trio in the Credo.
In addition to the mass, this album features a selection of other works by Guerrero, including the motets "Congratulamini mihi," "Dum esset rex," and "Maria Magdalene et altera Maria," as well as settings of the "Regina caeli" and "Ave Maria." The album's duration of approximately 65 minutes offers a comprehensive exploration of Guerrero's choral compositions, providing listeners with a rich and immersive experience of Renaissance sacred music.
The album is meticulously performed by a talented ensemble, with each piece sung with precision and passion. The five-part texture maintained throughout most of the mass, along with the varied vocal combinations in other works, highlights the intricate beauty of Guerrero's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Renaissance music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.