Missa Papae Marcelli: G P da Palestrina 1525?-1594

During the 16th century the whole issue of music in the church was addressed by the Council of Trent, who were understandably concerned about the number of popular secular melodies which were finding their way into Mass settings of composers. The reformists were also anxious that the texts of the Mass should no longer be obscured by too much musical elaboration. Although Pope Marcellus only reigned for three weeks before his untimely death, he took the opportunity of addressing the Papal Choir (of which Palestrina was a member) in 1555 and registered his own disapproval of such musical defects. Perhaps this event explains the dedicatory title of the Missa Papae Marcelli, which seems to adhere to the recommendations of the Council of Trent. It is symptomatic of Palestrina's genius that he was able to satisfy the demand for a more direct musical style without abandoning his natural refinement and conservatism.

With this 1987 performance The Tudor Consort introduced to New Zealand the concept of liturgical reconstruction. Director Simon Ravens' notes on the concert begin, "In order that we might understand and appreciate a 16th century Roman Mass it is perhaps necessary that we view it in its historical and social context". The group repeated this concert to celebrate its 15th birthday in 2001.

This performance was recorded by Concert FM and has subsequently been broadcast on several occasions.

"... Programmes of excellent quality ... the Consort has achieved remarkably high standards in its brief career" -- Concert FM
"... Overwhelming in its impact ... the glorius singing of The Tudor Consort, surely one of New Zealand's musical wonders, crowned this recreation of a Renaissance masterpiece" -- The Dominion

Read The Dominion's review of this performance (JPEG image, 82 Kb)
Download front of programme poster for this performance (JPG image, 294 Kb)
Download programme notes for this performance (Microsoft Word document, 21 Kb)

Programme

Introit: Puer Natus est Nobis: plainsong
Kyrie: Missa Papae Marcelli: G P da Palestrina
Gloria: Missa Papae Marcelli: G P da Palestrina (MP3 sound, 7103 Kb)
Collect: chant
Epistle: chant
Gradual: Viderunt Omnes: plainsong
Alleluia: plainsong
Verse: Dies Sanctificatus: G P da Palestrina
Gospel: chant
Credo: Missa Papae Marcelli: G P da Palestrina (MP3 sound, 9662 Kb)
Offertorio: Tui sunt coeli: plainsong
Preface: chant
Sanctus / Osanna I / Benedictus / Osanna II: Missa Papae Marcelli: G P da Palestrina
Sursum Corda / Pater Noster: chant
Pax Domini: chant
Agnus Dei I / Agnus Dei II: Missa Papae Marcelli: G P da Palestrina
Communion: Viderunt Omnes: plainsong
Ite missa est: plainsong

8pm, Sunday 20 September 1987
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Molesworth Street, Wellington

dir. Simon Ravens

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