José de Nebra

Vespers of the Virgin (1749-50)

José de Nebra was born in Calatayud in 1702. At the age of 17 he was already working in Madrid as organist at the Monastery of the Descalzas Reales. In the 1720s he began to compose for Madrid's public theaters, quickly becoming one of the most famous composers in the Court. In 1724 he was appointed organist of the Royal Chapel and Vicemaster in 1751. From 1761 he was harpsichord teacher of the infant Don Gabriel de Borbón. José de Nebra died in Madrid in 1768.

The works contained in the present set of Vespers of the Virgin were composed by Nebra between 1749 and 1750, shortly before being appointed vicemaster of the Royal Chapel, and they are dedicated to Queen María Bárbara de Braganza.

Contents:

- Dixit Dominus. SSAT-SATB; 2 oboes, 2 French horns, 2 violins, viola, bc.

- Laetatus sum. SSAT-SATB; 2 oboes, 2 violins, viola, bc

- Lauda Jerusalem. SSAT-SATB; 2 oboes, 2 French horns, 2 violins, viola, bc.

- Ave maris stella. SSAT-SATB; 2 oboes, 2 violins, viola, bc

- Magnificat. SSAT-SATB; 2 oboes, 2 French horns, 2 violins, viola, bc.