Steelant, Philippus van (1611-1670) - Antwerp Requiem c.1650 -Steelant 2 Missas & Miserere : Frank Agsteribbe / CantoLX, B'Rock Orchestra - Import Digipak CD

Credits:

Desprez, J.

Description:

A rare requiem from 17th century Antwerp, as if you were admiring a painting by Rubens. In 17th century Antwerp, Rubens, the master of Baroque painting, built his painting workshop and the Lucases, a family of harpsichord makers who had won fame in all of Europe, built their harpsichord workshop. The harpsichord-making family, the Luccaesse, had a workshop in Antwerpen. The organist of St. James Church in Antwerpen was Philips van Sterlandt. Born into a family of musicians in Antwerpen, van Sterlandt served as organist at St. James Church for 25 years, and was a central figure in the music world of Antwerpen at the time, leaving behind a variety of sacred and secular works. His style was strongly influenced by Italian music. The "Requiem," composed around 1650, is a concertant style work with a remarkable combination of solo, chorus, chorus and ensemble in a variety of styles.This requiem was composed for the funeral of Barbara Feckemans, wife of the influential Antwerpen politician Philips Herremans, which took place on April 9, 1650, at St. Jacob's Church in Antwerpen. The funeral service was a lavish affair with 60 torches on the way to the church and the church decorated with high quality satin cloths. The Stellant Requiem, the highlight of the service, was performed by three choirs and ensembles, with the permanent ensemble of St. James Church greatly augmented. The cantor's singers are of high quality and the ensemble is exquisite. Conductor Frank Agsterlibbe said that looking at the score was "like looking at a painting by Rubens." The score fully conveys the charm of Stellant's works. The Beethoven Orchestra, led by violinist Cecilia Bernardini, who has been sought after by various period instrument groups, has added two cornets, four bassoons, and four trombones to support Cantorx's singing in this recording. Their performance, as if they were singing, gives a sense of unity with the vocal music. Although the recording was extremely difficult to make in the midst of the raging Omicron strain of the new coronavirus, the performers were able to remain highly motivated by their continuous surprise and discovery of the quality of this little-known work.This is a rare opportunity to hear a wonderful performance of a little-known masterpiece of church music by a composer who shared the same period and country as Rubens. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Requiem
2.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Kyrie
3.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Symphonia
4.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Absolve
5.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Dies Irae
6.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Symphonia
7.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Domine Jesu
8.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Sanctus
9.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Agnus Dei
10.Missa pro defunctis a 6 Voc. et 5 Instr.~Lux Aeterna
11.Miserere mei Deus 5 Voc. & 5 Viol. cum 4 Voc. Ripien.
12.Missa pro defunctis 6 Voc. & 6 Voc. Ripien.~Requiem
13.Missa pro defunctis 6 Voc. & 6 Voc. Ripien.~Kyrie
14.Missa pro defunctis 6 Voc. & 6 Voc. Ripien.~Absolve
15.Missa pro defunctis 6 Voc. & 6 Voc. Ripien.~Domine Jesu
16.Missa pro defunctis 6 Voc. & 6 Voc. Ripien.~Sanctus
17.Missa pro defunctis 6 Voc. & 6 Voc. Ripien.~Agnus Dei
18.Missa pro defunctis 6 Voc. & 6 Voc. Ripien.~Lux Aeterna