The Archbishopric of Braga has been an historic and significant religious centre for over 1600 years. This importance became unique, when in the mid-16th century, through a resolution of the Council of Trent, a special dispensation was allowed the cathedral of Braga: the survival of their own version of the Roman rite, known as the 'Rito Bracarense'.
While other regional rites, such as the Sarum, Mozarabic and Beneventan Rites, were gradually replaced by the Roman Rite, the church of Braga compiled and maintained a collection of music particular to their celebration known as the Gradual de Braga. This collection of medieval chant, dating from the 11th Century, celebrates feast days such as the Missa de São Pedro de Rates", "Missa das Cinco Chagas", and"Missa de São Geraldo". It is a collection of music capturing a unique part of musical history.
In addition to the chant of the Gradual, we can also hear beautiful polyphonic works by masters of the music (mestres de capela) of the Cathedral in Braga. These selected masterpieces of Miguel da Fonseca, Lourenço Ribeiro and Pero de Gamboa, show a dramatic development in musical style during the 16th century; from the stately, magnificent textures of the Liber Introitus, (recorded for the first time), to the haunting, expressive motets of Pero de Gamboa.
Capella Duriensis is a professional ensemble dedicated to training young Portuguese singers in choral techniques. Maintaining a working schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recordings throughout the year, Capella Duriensis prepare repertoire from the earliest medieval manuscripts to music of the present day. Capella Duriensis are ensemble-in-residence at the Escola das Artes, Universidade Católica, Porto.
This recording is the first in a series entitled Música Sacra de Portugal. It is a large-scale recording project commencing in 2013 and covering the remarkable history of Portuguese vocal music. The opening series of six CDs brings before the public many previously unrecorded works, from the archives of Braga to the renaissance and baroque masterpieces of composers such as Manuel Cardoso and João Lourenço Rebelo.
