From: mccomt@aix.rpi.edu (Todd Michel McComb)
Subject: Morales review
Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 1993 20:35:37 GMT


Cristobal de Morales (c. 1500 - 1553) is generally regarded as the leading
Spanish composer during the so-called Golden Age of Spain; his birth shortly
after Columbus' voyage presumably prompted the choice of name he was given,
and living in Spain during that time must have been truly an exciting
experience.  The polyphonic style was brought to Spain by the previous
generation of composers led by Penalosa, and the mystical intensity of Iberian
music reached its maximum influence in the following generation with
Victoria's tenure at Rome.  Morales occupies the intermediate historical
position between these two, along with the contemporary keyboard music of
Antonio de Cabezon; his music shows some influence of earlier polyphony as
well as looking forward to functional harmony.  Morales' fame is also
increased by the fact that his polyphony was performed in Mexico during the
early days of the Spanish domination there.

The subject of this review is a recent release of music by Morales on Astree
E 8765, performed by La Capella Reial de Catalunya & Hesperion XX directed
by Jordi Savall.  The two works on the disc are an Officium Defunctorum,
consisting of a motet and settings of biblical lessons (this group of works
is known to have been sung in Mexico in 1559), and the Missa pro Defunctis
a 5.  This recording was made in connection with the recent Columbus
anniversary.  The music is sombre and austere, with much use of imitation
and a definite trend toward chordal writing.  The Requiem is written 1:2:1:1,
and the cantus firmus is often placed in the highest voice; the middle voices
are the most important, and are frequently harmonized in minor thirds and
sixths (prefiguring later practice of this usage in "sad" music); the bass has
only a supporting harmonic role.  This general style holds true in the
Officium Defunctorum: there is very sparing use of contrapuntal artifice,
though there are rhythmic contrasts used for dramatic effect; there is no use
of word-painting (as there will be with Victoria), and there is a general
mystical mood sustained by each movement -- the Sequentia of the Requiem is
especially effective.  As befits the occasion, Morales is extremely reserved
in these works and very effectively so; however, one might question the
pairing of two works of such similar moods on this disc instead of providing
some contrast by including works (such as motets) on other subjects and with
more elaborate counterpoint.  Of course, this is partly explained by the
historical significance attached to the Officium Defunctorum and the clear
mastery of the Requiem -- this piece is reminiscent of Ockeghem's Requiem in
its mystical effect and sparingly dramatic use of counterpoint and dissonance.

This recording is made by a relatively large (14 voice), all-male choir with
restrained and effective instrumental support from Hesperion XX --
instrumental support of polyphony is supposed to have been standard in Spain
during the period, and in this case does not in any way interfere with the
vocal rendition.  The Royal Chapel of Catalonia choir is very fine: excellent
ensemble blend and intonation, as well as a fine command of the substance of
the music.  The general effect of the performance is of a massive yet
controlled sound -- again, I am not really opposed to part doubling but I do
wonder how these works would sound with one voice to a part.  At any rate, it
has certainly increased my interest in Morales and how he might be able to
apply this style to brighter music: his concern for the text at each instant
may not be what one would expect from later music, but this also gives his
music more unified formal integrity which lends a mystical content, as in
earlier polyphony; however, he is using harmonic ideas which are relatively
new.  The recording quality is top-notch, including vocal texts and over 72
minutes of music.  Recommended.  In particular, the magnificent Requiem should
be a major find to those who crave this genre.

T. M. McComb

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