Pange lingua gloriosi Missa De La Batalla escoutez In exitu Israel Duo Seraphim clamabant Regina caeli laetare Magnificat octavi toni Conditor alme siderum
Following the success of their previous recording of Guerrero (Missa Sancta et immaculata, CDA66910), here The Choir of Westminster Cathedral is joined by an ensemble of instruments. These were chosen to accord with our extensive knowledge of the band of ministriles employed at Seville Cathedral during Guerrero's long career there.
1999 is the year which celebrates the fourth centenary of Guerrero's death. A substantial number of the works are from the Vespers book of 1584 which was dedicated to Guerrero's senior colleagues, the Dean and Chapter, the canons of Seville Cathedral. Addressing them in his preface, the composer asserts that the Almighty always had found it acceptable that the ceremonies of divine worship in the Temple of Jerusalem were offered with a full ensemble of singers and with various types of instrumental music, 'not forgetting that His worship is presently offered with equal ceremony' [at Seville Cathedral].
In this recording we hope that we may try to experience something close to what Guerrero knew.
GRAMOPHONE CRITICS' CHOICE
'These performances show that Guerrero deserves his anniversary celebration' (BBC Music Magazine)
'A marvellously varied disc. More please' (Early Music Quarterly)
'This is massive music, a broad rich landscape of astonishing power and beauty' (Classical Express)
'A very important disc' (Early Music Review)
'James O'Donnell and the Westminster Choir have surely come up with another stunning winner. Hyperion and all involved in this record deserve a very special accolade' (Choir & Organ)
