A Look at Music and History

In its eight years here, Crescendo has been many things for many people: a creative outlet for devoted amateur singers, a magnet for professional talent, particularly in early music; a globe-spanning, multicultural gold mine (Latin American flavors are a particular specialty) and even an imaginative time machine. Next weekend, that magical, world-traveling time machine will take us back to the European Renaissance, with a concert of sacred music centering on the mass “Mille Regretz” by the 16th-century Spanish composer Cristóbal de Morales.  Joining the Crescendo Chorus will be professional soloists and instrumentalists, playing such rarely seen or heard period instruments as the tenor cornetto, which, according to Juliet Mattila, who is vice president of the Crescendo board, looks like a curved recorder, but sounds like a cornett, or trumpet; an early harp; and a dulzian, precursor of the modern bassoon. Opening the program will be the secular song “Mille Regretz,” by the early French Renaissance composer Josquin des Prez, upon which Morales based his mass of the same name.  And throughout are works by Morales’s many minions, quite a few of whom traveled to Latin America in the wake of the conquistadors, taking up residence as composers in newly erected churches and cathedrals (which, Mattila ruefully points out, were often built on the ruins of recently destroyed native structures).  These later composers, working well into the 18th century, rapidly incorporated indigenous sounds and instruments into even their sacred works. The polyphonic style that flowered in the Renaissance can seem austere to modern ears raised on the overt emotion of Romanticism (or rock ’n’ roll).  But listen to the intricate weaving of the rising and falling voices, the complex, daring harmonies and the clear fit between words and music. You are likely to discover a drama that is purely musical and inspiring.  “Mille Regretz: Renaissance Music from Spain and Latin America,” performed by the Crescendo chorus, vocal ensemble, soloists and period instruments, and directed by Gevert, will be at the Congregational Church, Great Barrington, MA, on Saturday, April 9, at 6 p.m., and again at Trinity Church in Lime Rock, CT, on Sunday, April 10, at 4 p.m.  Mattila will give a preconcert talk about the music, 30 minutes before each concert. For tickets and information, go to www.worldclassmusic.org, or call 860-435-4866.