Cabezón's 'Obras de Musica' includes a significant section of 'diminutions'—ornamented versions of vocal works by eminent composers of the period, demonstrating his knowledge of European music.
Instruments
The recording features wind and brass instruments typical of Spanish 'minstrel' ensembles, which performed in churches and open air, and also recorders for more intimate settings.
Historical Context
Antonio de Cabezón traveled extensively with his patron, the future Philip II, visiting Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and England, which likely exposed him to a wide range of European music.
Composition History
Antonio de Cabezón's extensive work, 'Obras de Musica para tecla, arpa y vihuela', was published posthumously in 1578 by his son Hernando, who was also a composer and organist.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Antonio de Cabezón's 'Obras de Musica' served as a didactic anthology, providing examples for instrumentalists on how to improvise and compose for their instruments, arranged by difficulty.
Composer Biography
Antonio de Cabezón, the composer featured on this album, was born blind in 1510 and became renowned as an organist.
Interpretation
The ensemble Doulce Mémoire reconstructs Cabezón's pieces for melody instruments by returning to the original vocal works and inserting Cabezón's ornamental figures to preserve melodic continuity.
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