Two performances:

  View a copy of the Mille Regretz program in PDF format

This program featured the evolution of sacred vocal polyphony in Spain and Latin America from the mid 16^th to the early 18^th century. The centerpiece is the six-voice Mass, “Mille Regretz” (Thousand Regrets) by one of the great masters of the Spanish Renaissance music: Cristóbal de Morales, composed on the theme of a famous French chanson of the same name.

The next generation of musicians starts with his pupil Francisco Guerrero from Seville, and Spanish composers who emigrated to the cultural centers in Colombia, Bolivia and Perú: Hidalgo, Torrejón y Velasco, Riscos, Herrera and Araujo, showing the development from intricate Renaissance counterpoint to the lush Venetian polychoral style, and finally the integration of native elements into a unique colonial Latin American style.

Before each concert Juliet Mattila presented a 30 minute talk about the music, and since some of the Renaissance instruments may have been new to some of our concert-goers, the instrumentalists gave short talks on them.  We'll be including them here shortly.

The performers: Crescendo Chorus, Soloists and Vocal Ensemble, accompanied by Renaissance reeds and Baroque Period Instruments. Directed by Christine Gevert.  It was noteworthy that this was the first Renaissance wind band to play in this locale in recent memory and was a novel experience for many of our listeners.

We're loading videos of selected portions of the program, chosen from both venues, here.  They are also available via our Crescendo Facebook page.

Here's the first:  The program opens with the Crescendo Period Instrument Orchestra and Soprano Salome Sandoval (also playing the Renaissance guitar) announcing the Josquin des Prez "Mille Regrets" theme. 

Another one:  Laudate Dominum, by Juan de Herrera (1670-1738).  The continuo of the orchestra, the chorus, and Jordan Rose Lee and Salome Sandoval, sopranos. 

Here are the two pieces that immediately followed the intermission, Salve Regina, by Juan de Riscos (d. after 1643), and Gabriel Archangelus, by Francisco Guerrero (c. 1528 - 1599).  Salve Regina is performed by the Crescendo choir under the direction of Christine Gevert, while Gabriel Archangelus is performed by four recorder artists from the Period Instrument Orchestra.

Next is Duo Seraphim Clamabant, by Francisco Guerrero.  Diana Brewer and Salome Sandoval are the soprano soloists.

The finale, Los Conflades de la estleya, again with Diana Brewer and Salome Sandoval, who this time is also playing the vihuela.

You can now pre-order the recording of Mille Regretz!  The Lime Rock performance was professionally recorded, and will be available on a two CD-ROM set approximately four weeks following the performance.  Please click here to pre-order.

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for their assistance in making these concerts possible.