Morales’s Requiem

The opening (Circumdederunt me gemitus mortis) of the Officium Defunctorum is so exceptionally beautiful that it alone is reason enough to visit the concert hall. This Mass for the dead by Cristóbal de Morales, the 16th-century ‘emperor of Iberian polyphony’, still touches everyone’s heart. Vox Luminis needs little introduction at the Muziekgebouw. The choir has performed here several times and they were ‘Ensemble in Focus’ during the 2024-2025 season. Their performances guarantee both musical perfection and an intense emotional experience. 
  
Back in the day, De Morales’ music could be found everywhere in Europe, in both printed editions and manuscripts. His influence even stretched across the ocean to the New World. In fact, his Requiem was likely performed in Mexico during the 1559 memorial ceremonies for Emperor Charles V. The music combines the grandeur of Franco-Flemish counterpoint with the rich colours of the Spanish tradition. Vox Luminis makes a grand gesture with this music.