Tune in at 7 p.m. on March 28 to hear the Miraculous Mass of Mary by Renaissance master Gery de Ghersem, performed by The Rose Ensemble and special guest ensemble VOCES8.
Ghersem's "miraculous mass of Mary" scored for 7 voices, is categorized as a "parody mass" as it is based upon another work: a 5-voice motet, Ave Virgo Sanctissima ("Hail, Virgin Most Holy"), by the Spanish composer Francisco Guerrero. This motet was well known by Guerrero's contemporaries and admired greatly by them. Guerrero uses beautiful unison interplay between the top two soprano voices, which "follow" each other in what is called a canon. Ghersem took this model but elaborated upon it, giving his setting much more complexity - not only expanding from 5 to 7 voices, but also employing three canons and designating them "Trinitas in unitate" ("three-in-one"), a reference to the Trinity.
This performance of Ghersem's mass does not directly attempt to assemble a fully historical presentation (we do not know the occasion or setting for which the mass was composed), nor does it try to precisely recreate a ca. 1598 Latin Mass at the chapel of the Spanish court. It does, however, strive to give some historical musical and faux-liturgical context within which you might more fully enjoy Ghersem's composition. Incorporated herein are propers (plainchants such as the Introit and Offertory) sung by a schola of men or women, along with various liturgical prayers (sung by soloists, to represent the presiding clergy, etc.). These "Gregorian chants" for Sacratissimi Rosarii Beata Virginis Maria (the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary), celebrated on October 7, find a comfortable (and liturgically appropriate) home among the movements of Ghersem's Marian-themed mass.
About the Performers
The Rose Ensemble
Founded in 1996 and based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, The Rose Ensemble believes in the power and beauty of vocal music to stir the emotions, challenge the mind, and lift the spirit. Each performance illuminates centuries of rarely heard repertoire, bringing to modern audiences research from the world's manuscript libraries and fresh
perspectives on history, languages, politics, world cultures, religion, and spiritual traditions.
VOCES8
Founded in 2003 by ex-choristers of Westminster Abbey, VOCES8's career has developed both in the classical choral scene and the world of a cappella with an annual touring schedule that takes the group to Europe, the USA, Africa and Asia.
With an ongoing programme of recordings and live
broadcasts VOCES8 is heard regularly on international television and radio including Deutschlandradio Kultur, ARTE TV and the BBC.
Program
Augustine Thomas Ricchini: Hymn, Calestis aulae nuntius
Francisco Guerrero: Motet, Ave Virgo Sanctissima (a 5)
Gery de Ghersem: Kyrie, from Missa Ave Virgo Sanctissima
Gery de Ghersem: Gloria, from from Missa Ave Virgo Sanctissima
Oratio
Gery de Ghersem: Credo, from Missa Ave Virgo Sanctissima
Peter Philips: Antiphon, Salve Regina (a 5
Francisco Guerrero: Villanesca, Pastor quien madre
Prafatio, de Beata Maria Virgine
Gery de Ghersem: Sanctus/Benedictus, from Missa Ave Virgo Sanctissima
Gery de Ghersem: Agnus Dei, from Missa Ave Virgo Sanctissima
Communio: Florete flores quasi lilium
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
