Streams of Tears

Featuring

Harry Christophers
The Sixteen
Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla

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Composer Biography

Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla, the composer featured on this album, was born in Málaga, Spain, around 1590 and emigrated to Mexico, becoming maestro de capilla at Puebla Cathedral.

Interpretation

For this recording, instruments such as organ, harp, theorbo, and bajón are used to accompany and double the voice parts, reflecting the lavish instrumental participation common in Padilla's time.

Historical Context

The Spanish conquest of Mexico, led by Hernan Cortés in 1519, resulted in the rapid subjugation of the Aztec nation and a subsequent frenzy of church building in New Spain.

Compositional Technique

Double-choir music for eight voices dominates Padilla's output, a style favored by the layout of Spanish churches where choirs were often bisected in the nave.

Composition History

Padilla's surviving music is largely preserved in a choirbook copied in 1663 by order of the Puebla Cathedral Chapter, demonstrating the high esteem for his work during his lifetime.

Performer Biography

The Sixteen, recognized as one of the world's greatest vocal ensembles, has won numerous awards, including a Gramophone Award for Early Music and a Classical Brit Award for Renaissance.

Album & Artwork

The album title, "Tears of the Baroque," reflects both the program's content—tears shed for Christ—and the historical period known as the Siglo de Oro, when Iberian countries explored new continents.