O Pretiosum, Music for the Blessed Sacrament

Juan Bautista Comes (1582‐1643) is one of the most significant composers
of the early Spanish baroque, linking elements of Renaissance style with
the emerging techniques and tastes of the Baroque. He was a famous
musician of his time, and he held the prestigious post of chapel master of
the Valencia Cathedral. Since 1437 this cathedral kept the Holy Chalice,
the cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper, the reason Comes wrote
extensively for the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament.

Apart from the sacred Motets this new recording contains a selection of
Villancicos, choral works written in the vernacular, based on popular
music, written with the aim to make the liturgy more understandable for
the common people. They were written in polychoral style, lending a
theatrical and monumental character to the text and music.

Excellent performances by the Spanish vocal ensemble Amystis Chamber
Choir, who already recorded successfully for Brilliant Classics the complete
choral works by Cabanilles (BC94781).