The two works presented here are the Hymnus ‘Ave maria stella’ by Manuel Rodrigues Coelho and Tenção sobre o 5º Kyrie by Gaspardos Reis. They were originally written for organ in such a strict quartet texture that they have only needed to be transposed to become suitable for recorders. In the Coelho the musical lines are very well written with only a modest amount of quaver movement in the lower voices, above which the descant plays the minim based plainsong. The tune itself, for which phrasing is indicated, will be familiar to many from its slightly earlier setting in Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610. By way of contrast the Reis is a more evenly balanced quartet. It has a minim beat and each voice has its share of flowing crotchets interwoven into the texture. Both works are a welcome addition to the Renaissance quartet repertoire available for young and novice players who will find plenty of interest within their pages.
Adam J Dopadik: Recorder Magazine, Summer 2000Back to Opening page
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