A combination of paraphrase technique and canon is evident in the six-voice Regina caeli setting, one of five attributed to Morales (though one of these is most likely by Costanzo Festa). The melodic material is derived from the plainsong Marian antiphon for Eastertide, with a canon at the lower fourth between the second soprano and second alto parts. This antiphon was frequently considered appropriate for canonic treatment at this time: another example is the setting by Pierre de Manchicourt, also recorded by The Brabant Ensemble (on
Hyperion CDA67604).
from notes by Stephen Rice © 2008
