Villancicos que se han de cantar…

This program features early courtly villancicos by such composers as Juan del Encina, from the sixteenth century by Francisco Guerrero, and pieces from the seventeenth century by Mateo Romero and Cristóbal Galán, both important composers in Madrid. The program also includes courtly Spanish instrumental works from the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries, in addition to a few other surprises.

Villancico now refers to a Christmas carol in the Spanish-speaking world. At first, it was a courtly song in the late fifteenth century, its texts often referring to the villano, or peasant, yet another moment when nobility showed interest in, or mocked, their social inferiors. During the sixteenth century, the genre gradually became devotional in nature, Spanish texts sung in matins services on Christmas, Epiphany, and other feast days. During the seventeenth century, villancicos became ubiquitous in such a role throughout the Spanish-speaking world, sung at cathedrals, major churches, monasteries, and at the Royal Chapel in Madrid. The title of our concert is the title used for most published booklets with villancico texts for a particular service, meaning Villancicos that were sung… at a particular location. 

 Cameron Dobson, countertenor

Caitlin Laird, soprano

Joy Laird, Baroque flute and recorders

Paul Laird, Baroque cello

Mary Jodice, harpsichord

Tickets: $10.00 (available at the door)

Time: Friday, March 15, 2024, 7:30 PM

Place: Somerville Music Spaces, 1060 Broadway C101B, Somerville, MA 02144