This edition of Missa etcetera features Baroque sacred music from Italy, Germany and Spain. Sorrow, faith and the hope of redemption connect four works by composers whose music is less frequently heard today.
The programme opens with two motets, Laudate pueri and O lumen cæli, by the Italian composer Simone Vesi. Vesi served as a tenor and priest at Padua Cathedral and also directed the bishop’s chapel. In this lament, set to an Italian text, a single singer portrays both the narrator and Mary mourning the death of her son.
In Herr, auf dich traue ich, Johann Philipp Krieger sets the words of Psalm 31 to music. Krieger developed his musical skills in several places, including Venice and Rome. The work combines expressions of fear and distress with trust in God’s protection.
José de Nebra’s Stabat Mater dates from 1752. The Spanish composer wrote music for both the theatre and the Royal Chapel in Madrid. In this work for four vocal parts, violins, flutes and basso continuo, he adopts a restrained approach while retaining his distinctive sense of dramatic contrast.
The programme concludes with Christoph Graupner’s cantata Schuldige sie, Gott. At the court in Darmstadt, Graupner was required to compose a new cantata for every Sunday and religious feast day. More than 1,400 of them have survived. This cantata, written for Boxing Day 1750, which also marks the feast day of St Stephen the Martyr, contrasts guilt, punishment and retribution with the protection and comfort that Jesus offers his followers.
Simone Vesi (1610–1667)
- Laudate pueri
- O lumen cæli
Performers: Benita Borbonus (soprano), Alexander Schmidt (baritone), instrumentalists of Capella St. Marien Lübeck
CD: Querstand, VKJK 2606
Johann Philipp Krieger (1649–1725)
- From Musicalischer Seelen-Friede: Herr, auf dich traue ich
Performers: Martin Platz (tenor), Lautten Compagney Berlin
CD: Prospero, Prospo137
José de Nebra (1702–1768)
- Stabat Mater
Performers: La Grande Chapelle, conducted by Albert Recasens
CD: LAUDA, LAU028
Christoph Graupner (1683–1760)
- Cantata Schuldige sie, Gott, GWV 1106/50
Performers: Hannah Ely (soprano), Laura Lamph (mezzo-soprano), Kieran White (tenor), Ben Rowarth (bass), Fieri Consort and Camerata Øresund, conducted by Peter Spisský
CD: Ramée, RAM2501
Additional track
Johann Michael Bach (1648–1694)
- Organ chorale: In dulci Jubilo
Performer: Cindy Castillo (organ)
CD: Ricercar, RIC491
Pictured: Johann Philipp Krieger (source: Wikipedia)
