LA HELE: Praeter Rerum Seriem Mass
El Leon de Oro/ Peter Phillips, Marco Antonio Garcia de Paz Hyperion 68439—65 minutes
According to Peter Phillips, the task for this release was to assemble a program of music by neglected Flemish composers who were active in Madrid in the Renaissance period. He also leans into certain modern prejudices concerning national style when he says he wished to mix “Spanish flair” with “Flemish erudition”. As concerns this repertory, I am unclear about what he means by “Spanish flair”, but by “erudition” he is referring to the dense, imitative style of counterpoint that makes music by Flemish composers sound learned. And it is a style of music that they carried with them to every nation, including Spain, where king Philip II (1556-98) established a Capilla Flamenca. The directors of this “Flemish Chapel” included Nicolas Payen (maestro 1556-59), Pierre Manchicourt (1560-64), Jean Beaumarchais (1565-70), Geert van Turnhout (1571-80), and Philippe Rogier (1586-96), whose motets are represented on this release.
The masterpiece on the program is the first complete recording of the 7-voice Praeter Rerum Seriem Mass by George de La Hele (1547-86). Like many other famous masses by Daser, Rore, Lassus, and Willaert, Hele’s is a parody of Josquin’s vaunted 6voice motet of the same name. The arresting opening motive in each movement of Hele’s mass is a tribute to Josquin’s command of contrapuntal texture. Even the Gloria and Credo movements show a richly braided texture—a strong departure from the chordal style preferred by contemporary composers like Palestrina.
This is a gorgeous recording of music from the Spanish Siglo de Oro, and it is beautifully performed by this young Spanish choral ensemble. Texts and notes are in English.
LOEWEN