Masterpieces of Portuguese polyphony: Cardoso, Rebelo, De Cristo, Fernandez (1992)

"The music of the Portuguese Renaissance has until very recently languished in almost complete obscurity. Certain composers who saw their works published during their lifetimessuch as Cardoso, Lôbo, and Magalhãeshave begun to receive recognition, but the same does not yet apply to the vast body of music which is preserved only in manuscript. Most of them, dating from the 16th century onwards, originated at the Augustinian monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra (northern Portugal). This monastery, mother-house of the Augustinian congregation in Portugal, was a first rank educational and cultural centre, with a flourishing musical life." (fragment uit hoestekst) "Delectable though this music is, it needs performers who can do it justice, and James ODonnell and his choir do that and then some. Whether depicting a soul thirsting for the Lords rest, or giving thanks for salvation, the smooth trebles soar into the rafters of Westminster. This is a CD that brings the listener one step closer to heaven." (BBC Online)

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