With the two early masses --
Missa Mille regretz
and
Missa Desilde al cavallero
-- and the
Magnificat Primi Toni
, the Cambridge-based, all-male and all-adult choir
De Profundis
sets the bar high on its first in a planned 12-volume survey of
Cristobal de Morales
' Magnificats and Masses. Among
Morales
' more well-known works is the
(classification seems to alter between a cantus firmus and parody mass), and it kicks off this collection. Based on
Josquin
's chanson
Mille regretz
, it is rightly presented here as an opener for the mass itself, and
's melody is clearly heard throughout the entire mass. Interestingly,
and conductor
Robert Hollingworth
chose to include the original versions of the Sanctus, Benedictus, and two of the Agnus Dei sections following the composer's 1544 revisions. This is wonderful for listeners hoping to catch a glimpse of
' approach to the material seven to nine years removed. It is a valuable exercise in hearing the progression of
' technique at this time, and listeners can decide for themselves which they prefer.
Eamonn Dougan
takes the reins for the lesser-known
. Once more, following the popular song it is based upon, this time the Anonymous'
Desilde al cavallero
(intabulated by
Diego Pisador
). This mass, unlike the
heard earlier, includes organ accompaniment and, as
' artistic director
Mark Dourish
notes, the group's goal for this series is to present
' masses this way in recognition of differences in how the works were performed at the Sistine Chapel (a cappella by decree) and in the composer's native Spain and elsewhere, as accompaniment was allowed. A strong start to what will undoubtedly be an intriguing collection. ~ Keith Finke