DCD34205-CD

Pater Peccavi: Music of Lamentation from Renaissance Portugal

Biblical texts of lamentation were embraced by composers of the late Renaissance for their artistic and expressive potential. But in Portugal – a kingdom without a king, its people governed by a foreign power – such settings gave life, as well, to a rich expression of covert political commentary.

Rory McCleery’s ongoing interest in this field of polyphony bears fruit for the first time in a ground-breaking programme. Many of these Portuguese composers are known, if at all, for a very few pieces. Once again, McCleery and his Consort make a clarion call for music that it deserves, and with their advocacy should now receive far wider recognition.

"This exquisite late-Renaissance Portuguese polyphonic repertoire is as richly expressive as it is politically poised…This beautiful new album from The Marian Consort is surely one of the best one-to-a-part ensemble recordings of this repertoire. Throughout the programme they nurture a warm blend while drawing out long polyphonic threads to expressive ends."

"The latest from the six-strong Marian Consort, brilliant discoverers, and exponents, of rare repertoire, is Pater peccavi: Music of Lamentations from Renaissance Portugal: rich, ecstatic"

"Exemplary one-to-a-part performances...The singing is as impassioned as it is effortlessly elegant."

"From the outset The Marian Consort declares itself masters of this repertoire, in terms of sumptuous tone and innate understanding of style, superbly recorded too, the one-to-a-part ensemble beautifully captured."

Producer: Paul Baxter
Recording dates: 29-31 July 2017
Number of discs: 1
Release date: 19 October 2018
Album ID: DCD34205
Total playing time: 0:52:11

Featured interview

Rory McCleery on Pater Peccavi

Rory talks to Presto Classical's David Smith about what makes the Portuguese Renaissance style so distinctive and unmistakable.

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