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Track(s) taken from CDA68114

Missa pastoril para a noite de natal

composer
José Maurício Nunes Garcia (1767-1830)
1808; for choir and organ; orchestrated in 1811
author of text
Anonymous - liturgical
Ordinary of the Mass

Ex Cathedra, Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor)
Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available
CD-Quality:
Studio Master:
CD-Quality:
Studio Master:
Recording details: September 2014
All Hallows, Gospel Oak, London, United Kingdom
Produced by Nigel Short
Engineered by Tony Wass
Release date: November 2015
Total duration: 28 minutes 17 seconds

Cover artwork: Map of America (1686).
AKG London / De Agostini Picture Library
 

Reviews

‘Skidmore brings out a buoyant and altogether brighter quality, emphasising the greater use of Baroque styles’ (Gramophone)

‘The performances catch effectively [the] sense of freshness and spontaneity, and one can only hope there might be a second volume in the offing’ (BBC Music Magazine)» More
PERFORMANCE
RECORDING

‘As we have come to expect over the years the standard of performance achieved by Ex Cathedra is very high indeed’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘The result of Jeffrey Skidmore’s research into Brazilian music has given us a really touching disc that inhabits a sound-world closer to that of Mozart and Haydn more than that usually associated with South America. Much of the music is crammed with melody and it is quite magical, often romantic and always meltingly beautiful’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘Practically all of the 12 singers of Ex Cathedra have challenging solo spots, every one of them producing an excellent sound and a clear understanding of such performance aspects as ornamentation. The chorus is similarly excellent. Jeffrey Skidmore is one of the most inspirational directors around, and his motivation produces extraordinary results’ (AndrewBensonWilson.org)

‘It makes a refreshing change to hear an anthology of choral compositions untroubled by worldly cares, especially so when performed with such conviction and love’ (Sinfini Music)» More

'Luister maar eens naar de Mis van André de Salval Gomes prachtige barokmuziek uit de vroege romantiek!' (Katholiek Nieuwsblad, Netherlands)» More

'Mas é igualmente certo que Skidmore e seu Ex Cathedra construíram um CD mosaico representativo, inclusivo e fiel à diversidade da produção colonial brasileira. Em um nível interpretativo de excelência' (Cultura Música, Portugal)
José Maurício Nunes Garcia, Father Maurício, was a mixed-race priest who was born in Rio. His Missa pastoril para a noite de natal was originally written simply for choir and organ in 1808. In 1811 he rewrote the piece, now colourfully orchestrated for two violas, two cellos, two clarinets, two bassoons, two trumpets, two horns, timpani and organ. There are nine challenging solo parts, for three castrati, two falsettists, tenor and three basses. Individual names are written against each solo part in the full score. The hauntingly simple pastoral theme which opens the piece recurs throughout the work, and captures perfectly the sensation of a sunshine-filled Christmas and the gentle message of Christ’s birth. Our performing edition is by António Campos and published by Musica Brasilis. Rosana Lanzelotte, a Brazilian flautist based in Rio, put me into contact with this wonderful resource. In nearby downtown I was shown the spectacularly gilded church Nossa Senhora do Monte Carmo, the old cathedral which served as the Royal Chapel where this work was no doubt performed on Christmas Day over two hundred years ago.

from notes by Jeffrey Skidmore © 2015

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