Álbum valioso con música de Sebastián Durón

Pizzicato, 14/01/2025. Alain Steffen.

«A very interesting booklet reveals many interesting facts about the Spanish composer Sebastian Duron (1660-1716) and his work. The works recorded here are from the Prayer of the Forty Hours, a devotion in which the Blessed Sacrament was exposed on the altar during the same period. This celebration was adopted in the Royal Chapel in 1639 and institutionalized in 1644.

Sebastian Duron’s works for this religious celebration on this album show the versatility of the Spanish composer. …. This production not only has a high documentary value, but is also characterized by exceptionally good musical performances.

Duron’s works are performed by the Spanish ensemble La Grande Chapelle, conducted by Albert Recasens. Both the seven instrumentalists and the four vocal soloists offer first-rate and highly committed playing throughout, with the wonderful organ playing of Jorge Lopez-Escribano standing out in particular. Anyone interested in early music and especially sacred works will be very happy with this album.