Finally, the haunting O Magnum Mysterium of Tomas Luis de Victoria is perhaps the most esteemed of the many settings of this verse.įrom the English Renaissance we heard works of William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, two composers who were not only musical colleagues, but business partners in the music printing monopoly granted by Elizabeth. Mouton's Quaeramus cum Pastoribus (Let us seek with the shepherds) is clearly a Christmas text set here to a joyful, exuberant polyphony. Josquin, like Michelangelo, was so highly regarded as to be referred to by his first name alone like an emperor. The Ave Maria by Josquin des Pres is certainly one of the most astoundingly gorgeous works of early Renaissance. While a set devoted specifically to Christmas opened the second half, there followed immediately three supremely beautiful works frequently associated with Christmas. The afternoon began with a processional, the Gaudete (Rejoice) from 16th century Spain. Two high sopranos, arrestingly visceral, grace the top of the ensemble like a shining star on a Christmas tree. Introduced and conducted by Marilyn Alletzhauser the group, decked out in colorful Renaissance costumes, supports a rich blend of mixed voices, full of enthusiasm and a sincere desire to bring these great works to life. Living up to the title, the program, while mostly outstanding Renaissance music, also included folk songs and "jazzed-up" madrigals. The excellent Renaissance choral ensemble which takes the name Quodlibet, produced its seasonal concert "What You Will, a Musical Potpourri" on Sunday at St. Needless to say, such witty "compositions" were great party favorites. Quodlibet, a Latin term for "what you will" was a form used in early music to combine various songs to produce humorous, usually bawdy lyrics.
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