Codex Las Huelgas - Music from 13th Century Spain torrent

The convent of Las Huelgas was founded shortly before 1200 in northern Spain by King Alfonso XII (father of Alfonso "The Wise," who compiled the famous Cantigas de Santa Maria) and Queen Eleanor (daughter of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine); it enjoyed royal patronage for generations after. The Codex Las Huelgas is a manuscript of liturgical music compiled--probably by the nuns themselves--for use at the convent; it's undoubtedly the most important source of medieval music intended for women.

Just how engaging, catchy, lively, and artful can 13th century Spanish music be? Very, as evidenced by this collection of motets, conductus, mass movements, and strophic songs from the legendary manuscript compiled at the 12th-century Cistercian convent at Las Huelgas. This remarkable program, highlighting only a handful of the nearly 200 works contained in the original manuscript, shows not only the beauty and inventiveness of sacred music of this period, but also how colorful and varied it could be. And just how well sung and played is it? Impressively, as shown by these five exceptional female voices and period instrumentalists from the superb Huelgas Ensemble. Instruments--recorders, fiddles, rebec, and percussion--are sparingly and effectively used, and the singers treat us to exciting yet rarely heard ornamentation, an ancient art that sounds eerily modern.

01 - Ex Illustri Nata Prosapia
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


02 - Crucifigat Omnes
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


03 - O Maria, Maris Stella
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


04 - Ex Agone Sanguinis
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


05 - Belial Vocatur
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


06 - Sanctus
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


07 - Agnus Dei
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


08 - Benedicamus Domino
Composed by Italian Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


09 - Flavit Auster
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


10 - Eya Mater
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


11 - Quis Dabit Capiti Meo Aquam & O Monialis Concio Burgensis, for women's ensemble
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


12 - Casta Catholica; Da, Dulcis Domina, for chorus
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel


13 - Homo Miserabilis
Composed by Anonymous
with Huelgas Ensemble
Conducted by Paul van Nevel