The Rose Ensemble live in NYC: "Missus est Gabriel" -Cristobál de Morales (ca. 1500 - 1553)

Live at Trinity Church Wall Street, New York City
Missus est Gabriel" -Cristobál de Morales (ca. 1500 - 1553)
Manuscript Source: Instituto Español de Musicologia
Performers: members of The Rose Ensemble, Jordan Sramek, Founder/Director
Vocal Quartet: Kathy Lee, Amanda Jane Kelley, Linda Kachelmeier, Kristine Kautzman
PROGRAM NOTES:
Cristobál de Morales is regarded by many as the leading Spanish composer during the so-called "Golden Age" of Spain; his birth shortly after Columbus' voyage presumably prompted the choice of name he was given. The polyphonic style was brought to Spain by the previous generation of composers (led by the great Peñalosa), and the mystical intensity of Ibérian music reached its maximum influence in the following generation with Tomás Luis de Victoria's tenure in Rome. Morales occupies the intermediate historical position between these two, and his fame is increased by the fact that his polyphony was performed in Mexico during the early days of the Spanish domination there. The incredible motet "Missus est Gabriel" has commonly been performed by treble voices (however, the original is scored for men’s voices). One of the most striking elements of this piece is the composer’s choice to “quote” another piece of plainchant. The original Gregorian chant, Missus est Gabriel (upon which this motet is based), is the first antiphon at Second Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (celebrated March 25). The second antiphon happens to be the most commonly known chant setting of "Ave Maria" (upon which myriad Renaissance motets have been based).
Morales cleverly interpolates the Ave Maria into the texture of the first half of his motet, with all four voice parts singing in imitative style (starting with the bass), calling special attention to this prophetic greeting with long notes amidst more decorated writing in the accompanying parts.
LATIN TEXT:
Missus est Gabriel Angelus
ad Mariam Virginem,
nuntians ei verbum:
Ave Maria, gratia plena:
Dominus tecum:
benedicta tu in mulieribus.
Quae cum audisset,
turba est in sermone ejus:
et cogitabat qualis esset ista salutatio.
Et ait Angelus ei:
Ne timeas, Maria,
invenisti enim gratiam apud Deum:
ecce concipies in utero,
et paries filium,
et vocabis nomen ejus Jesum.
Dicit autem Maria:
Ecce ancilla Domini,
fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.
TRANSLATION (by Jordan Sramek)
The Angel Gabriel came
to the Virgin Mary,
delivering to her the message:
"Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women."
When she had heard this
she was troubled by his speech;
and pondered what manner of greeting this was.
And the Angel said to her:
"Do not fear, Mary,
for you have found favor in God’s sight:
Behold, you will conceive in your womb,
and bear a son,
and call his name Jesus."
And Mary responded:
"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.