| honorific_prefix = [[Kapellmeister|Maestro de capillo]]
| honorific_prefix = [[Kapellmeister|Maestro de capillo]]
| name = Cristóbal de Medrano
| name = Cristóbal de Medrano
| native_name = <!--The person's name in their own language, if different.-->
| native_name = <!--The person's name in their own language, if different.-->
| native_name_lang = <!--ISO 639-1 code, e.g., "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} in |native_name= instead.-->
| native_name_lang = <!--ISO 639-1 code, e.g., "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} in |native_name= instead.-->
| honorific_suffix =
| honorific_suffix =
| image = File:Cristobal de Medrano and Rodrigo de Castro.png
| image = File:Cristobal de Medrano and Rodrigo de Castro.png
| image_size =
| image_size =
| image_upright =
| image_upright =
| smallimage = <!--If this is specified, "image" should not be.-->
| smallimage = <!--If this is specified, "image" should not be.-->
| smallimage_alt =
| smallimage_alt =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Maestro Cristóbal de Medrano (kneeling) offering his manuscript of the ''Missa Voce Mea'' to Cardinal-Archbishop [[Rodrigo de Castro Osorio]].
| caption = Maestro Cristóbal de Medrano (kneeling) presenting his ''Missa Voce Mea'' to Cardinal-Archbishop [[Rodrigo de Castro Osorio]].
| order =
| order =
| office = [[Kapellmeister|Maestro de capillo]] Church of San Juan Bautista in Marchena
| office = [[Kapellmeister|Maestro de capillo]] of the Church of San Juan Bautista in Marchena
| status = <!--If this is specified, overrides Incumbent.-->
| status = <!--If this is specified, overrides Incumbent.-->
| term_start = 1585
| term_start = 1585
| term_end = August 1587
| term_end = August 1587
| subterm =
| subterm =
| suboffice =
| suboffice =
| alongside = <!--For two or more people serving in the same position from the same district. (e.g. United States senators.)-->
| alongside = <!--For two or more people serving in the same position from the same district. (e.g. United States senators.)-->
| monarch = [[Philip II of Spain]]
| monarch = [[Philip II of Spain]]
| predecessor = Antonio de Villaroel
| predecessor = Antonio de Villaroel
| successor = <!-- should not be filled until the successor takes office-->
| successor = <!-- should not be filled until the successor takes office-->
| prior_term =
| prior_term =
| order2 =
| order2 =
| office2 = [[Kapellmeister|Maestro de capillo]] of [[Badajoz Cathedral]]
| office2 = [[Kapellmeister|Maestro de capillo]] of [[Badajoz Cathedral]]
| term_start2 = 1587
| term_start2 = 1587
| term_end2 = 1596
| term_end2 = 22 November 1596
| subterm2 = <!--Can be repeated up to 16 times by changing the number-->
| subterm2 = <!--Can be repeated up to 16 times by changing the number-->
| suboffice2 = <!--Can be repeated up to 16 times by changing the number-->
| suboffice2 = <!--Can be repeated up to 16 times by changing the number-->
| monarch2 = Philip II of Spain
| monarch2 = Philip II of Spain
| predecessor2 = Luis de Quiñones
| predecessor2 = Luis de Quiñones
| successor2 = Esteban de Brito
| successor2 = Esteban de Brito
}}
}}
'''Cristóbal de Medrano''' (b. 1561-1597) was a [[Nobility|noble]] from the [[Medrano|House of Medrano]], a Basque-Spanish [[composer]], [[organist]] and [[Kapellmeister|Maestro de capillo]] of the [[Badajoz Cathedral]] and Church of San Juan Bautista in Marchena.<ref>''Ramírez Palacios, Antonio. Los maestros de capilla de Marchena y otros maestros locales.'' p. 209.</ref> He is the author of the ''Missa VoceMea cum sex vocibus'' manuscript, published by Antonio Baciero.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Rodericus Cardenalis, misa de Cristóbal de Medrano |url=https://www.elcorreogallego.es/hemeroteca/rodericus-cardenalis-misa-cristobal-medrano-DICG953437 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=www.elcorreogallego.es |language=es-ES}}</ref>
'''Cristóbal de Medrano''' (b. 1561 – d. 1597) was a [[Nobility|noble]] from the [[Medrano|House of Medrano]], a Basque-Spanish [[composer]], [[organist]] of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada in [[Llerena, Badajoz|Llerena]], and [[Kapellmeister|Maestro de capillo]] of the [[Badajoz Cathedral]] and Church of San Juan Bautista in [[Marchena, Spain|Marchena]].<ref>''Ramírez Palacios, Antonio. Los maestros de capilla de Marchena y otros maestros locales.'' p. 209.</ref> He is the author of the ''Missa voce mea cum sex vocibus'' manuscript, published by Antonio Baciero in 1594.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Rodericus Cardenalis, misa de Cristóbal de Medrano |url=https://www.elcorreogallego.es/hemeroteca/rodericus-cardenalis-misa-cristobal-medrano-DICG953437 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=www.elcorreogallego.es |language=es-ES}}</ref>
== Life ==
== Life ==
Cristóbal de Medrano most likely was born in [[Seville]] during the reign of [[CharlesV,HolyRoman Emperor]]. Cristóbal belonged to the noble [[Medrano|House of Medrano]], an ancient family under the protection of the [[List of Spanish monarchs|Monarchs of Spain]]. Cristóbal identified himself as a "[[Cantabria|Cantabren]]" in his ''Messa Voca Mea'' manuscript.<ref name=":2" /> He belonged to a family of [[Musician|musicians]] active in the last third of the 16th century in the cathedrals of Seville, [[Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba|Córdoba]], and [[Jaén, Spain|Jaén]].<ref name=":1" /> However, instead of joining the Seville Cathedral choir as a chorister, as his potential birth in Seville might suggest, it seems he joined as a seise in the [[Jaén Cathedral]], where on July 4, 1561, a choirboy by that name is documented.<ref>Jiménez Cavallé, Pedro (1994). «Los seises de la catedral de Jaén durante el siglo XVI». Boletín del Instituto de Estudios Giennenses 1 (151): 515. ISSN 0561-3590.</ref> He was a relative of [[Francisco de Medrano y Villa]], a famous [[poet]] from Seville.
Cristóbal de Medrano most likely was born in [[Seville]] during the reign of [[Philip II of Spain]]. Cristóbal belonged to the noble [[Medrano|House of Medrano]], an ancient family under the protection of the [[List of Spanish monarchs|Monarchs of Spain]]. Cristóbal identified himself as a "[[Cantabria|Cantabren]]" in his ''Missa Voca Mea'' manuscript.<ref name=":2" /> He belonged to a family of [[musician]]s active in the last third of the 16th century in the cathedrals of Seville, [[Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba|Córdoba]], and [[Jaén, Spain|Jaén]].<ref name=":1" /> However, instead of joining the Seville Cathedral choir as a chorister, as his potential birth in Seville might suggest, it seems he joined as a seise in the [[Jaén Cathedral]], where on July 4, 1561, a choirboy by that name is documented.<ref>Jiménez Cavallé, Pedro (1994). «Los seises de la catedral de Jaén durante el siglo XVI». Boletín del Instituto de Estudios Giennenses 1 (151): 515. ISSN 0561-3590.</ref> He was a relative of [[Francisco de Medrano y Villa]], a famous [[poet]] from Seville.
=== Early career ===
=== Early career ===
He was a musician in the private music [[chapel]] of [[Rodrigo de Castro Osorio]], who at that time was the metropolitan [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|archbishop of Seville]]. Castro was an important patron of the [[Spanish Renaissance]], from the family of the [[Count of Lemos]]. In 1583, Cristóbal de Medrano appears as the organist of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada in Llerena.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=BUCM :: Folio Complutense :: Biblioteca Complutense |url=https://webs.ucm.es/BUCM/blogs/Foliocomplutense/10391.php |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=webs.ucm.es}}</ref>
He was a musician in the private music [[chapel]] of [[Rodrigo de Castro Osorio]], who at that time was the metropolitan [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seville|archbishop of Seville]]. Castro was an important patron of the [[Spanish Renaissance]], from the family of the [[Count of Lemos]]. In 1583, Cristóbal de Medrano appears as the organist of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada in Llerena.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=BUCM :: Folio Complutense :: Biblioteca Complutense |url=https://webs.ucm.es/BUCM/blogs/Foliocomplutense/10391.php |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=webs.ucm.es}}</ref>
In mid-1585, he succeeded Antonio de Villaroel in the position of maestro at the Church of San Juan Bautista in Marchena, in the [[province of Seville]]. Cristóbal de Medrano was hired with a salary of 12,000 [[Maravedí|maravedís]] per year, slightly lower than Villaroel, who earned 15,000. However, he was granted an increase of 8,000 maravedís as an annual cost-of-living allowance, according to the mandate of the vicar Íñigo de Leciñana. He remained in the position until the end of August 1587.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/diccionariodelam0002unse/mode/2up |title=Diccionario de la música española e hispanoamericana |date=1999 |publisher=[Madrid?] : Sociedad General de Autores y Editores |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-84-8048-303-2 |pages=30}}</ref>
In mid-1585, he succeeded Antonio de Villaroel in the position of maestro at the Church of San Juan Bautista in Marchena, in the [[province of Seville]]. Cristóbal de Medrano was hired with a salary of 12,000 [[maravedí]]s per year, slightly lower than Villaroel, who earned 15,000. However, he was granted an increase of 8,000 maravedís as an annual cost-of-living allowance, according to the mandate of the vicar Íñigo de Leciñana. He remained in the position until the end of August 1587.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/diccionariodelam0002unse/mode/2up |title=Diccionario de la música española e hispanoamericana |date=1999 |publisher=[Madrid?] : Sociedad General de Autores y Editores |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-84-8048-303-2 |pages=30}}</ref>
=== Maestro de capillo at the Cathedral of Badajoz (1587-1596) ===
=== Maestro de capillo at the Cathedral of Badajoz (1587-1596) ===
The position of [[maestro]] at the Cathedral of Badajoz had become vacant following the death of maestro Luis de Quiñones in 1587.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/diccionariodelam0008unse/mode/2up |title=Diccionario de la música española e hispanoamericana |date=1999 |publisher=[Madrid?] : Sociedad General de Autores y Editores |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-84-8048-303-2 |pages=1062}}</ref> The chapter contacted Medrano in June of that same year, culminating in the negotiations between both parties with Medrano taking possession of the position on December 6, 1587. It seems that relations between Medrano and the chapter of Badajoz were not very cordial.<ref name=":0" /> He remained in the position until November 22, 1596. He was temporarily replaced by Gil Fernández until the arrival of Esteban de Brito.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/diccionariodelam0005unse/mode/2up |title=Diccionario de la música española e hispanoamericana |date=1999 |publisher=[Madrid?] : Sociedad General de Autores y Editores |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-84-8048-303-2 |pages=42}}</ref>
The position of [[Kapellmeister|maestro de capillo]] at the [[Badajoz Cathedral|Cathedral of Badajoz]] had become vacant following the death of maestro Luis de Quiñones in 1587.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/diccionariodelam0008unse/mode/2up |title=Diccionario de la música española e hispanoamericana |date=1999 |publisher=[Madrid?] : Sociedad General de Autores y Editores |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-84-8048-303-2 |pages=1062}}</ref> The chapter contacted Cristóbal de Medrano in June of that same year, culminating in the negotiations between both parties with Medrano taking possession of the position on December 6, 1587. It seems that relations between Medrano and the chapter of Badajoz were not very cordial.<ref name=":0" /> He remained in the position until November 22, 1596. He was temporarily replaced by Gil Fernández until the arrival of Esteban de Brito.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/diccionariodelam0005unse/mode/2up |title=Diccionario de la música española e hispanoamericana |date=1999 |publisher=[Madrid?] : Sociedad General de Autores y Editores |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-84-8048-303-2 |pages=42}}</ref>
== Books ==
== Books ==
In the Historical Library of the Complutense University of Madrid, there is a 1594 manuscript of the Missa Voce Mea, which includes a [[Mass (music)|mass]] and [[motet]]. The mass was published in 1996 by Antonio Baciero and Alfonso Peciña.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Voce mea |url=https://www.mundoclasico.com/articulo/982/Voce-mea |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Mundoclasico.com |language=es}}</ref> In Badajoz, he left the ''Missa Voce Mea cum sex vocibus'', published by Antonio Baciero.<ref name=":0" />
In the Historical Library of the [[Complutense University of Madrid]], there is a preserved 1594 manuscript of the ''Missa Voce Mea'', which includes a [[Mass (music)|mass]] and [[motet]]. The mass was published in 1996 by Antonio Baciero and Alfonso Peciña.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Voce mea |url=https://www.mundoclasico.com/articulo/982/Voce-mea |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Mundoclasico.com |language=es}}</ref> In [[Badajoz]], he left the ''Missa Voce Mea cum sex vocibus'', published by Antonio Baciero.<ref name=":0" />
=== ''Missa Voce Mea'' ===
=== ''Missa Voce Mea'' ===
The ''Missa Voce Mea'' manuscript,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Patrimonio Digital · Patrimonio UCM |url=https://patrimoniodigital.ucm.es/s/patrimonio/item/408217 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=patrimoniodigital.ucm.es}}</ref> dating from 1594, is a six-voice mass and motet dedicated to Cardinal [[Rodrigo de Castro Osorio|Rodrigo de Castro]], Archbishop of Seville, a significant patron of the Spanish Renaissance.<ref>''Missa Voca Mea'' https://ucm.on.worldcat.org/search/detail/1025212974?queryString=b2083894%2A</ref> Hidden within the manuscript’s cover illustration is a six-voice canon, demonstrating its intricate design and dedication to the cardinal. The manuscript serves as a comprehensive [[tribute]], with the phrase "Rodericus Cardinalis" appearing throughout the mass and motet, creating a sonic reminder of the figure to whom the work is dedicated. [[Heraldry|Heraldic]] symbols related to the house of Lemos, to which the cardinal belonged, are incorporated into the decorative capital letters of the various sections of the mass.<ref name=":1" />
Cristóbal de Medrano's ''Missa Voce Mea'' manuscript,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Patrimonio Digital · Patrimonio UCM |url=https://patrimoniodigital.ucm.es/s/patrimonio/item/408217 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=patrimoniodigital.ucm.es}}</ref> dating from 1594, is a six-voice mass and motet dedicated to Cardinal [[Rodrigo de Castro Osorio|Rodrigo de Castro]], Archbishop of Seville, a significant patron of the Spanish Renaissance.<ref>''Missa Voca Mea'' https://ucm.on.worldcat.org/search/detail/1025212974?queryString=b2083894%2A</ref> Hidden within the manuscript's cover illustration is a six-voice [[Canon (music)|canon]]. The manuscript serves as a comprehensive [[tribute]], with the phrase "Rodericus Cardinalis" appearing throughout the mass and motet, creating a sonic reminder of the figure to whom the work is dedicated. [[Heraldry|Heraldic]] symbols related to the house of Lemos, to which the cardinal belonged, are incorporated into the decorative capital letters of the various sections of the mass.<ref name=":1" />
==== Dedicaton to Rodrigo de Castro ====
==== Dedicaton to Rodrigo de Castro ====
Line 58:
Line 58:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
[[File:Cristobal de Medrano and Rodrigo de Castro.png|thumb|right|Cristóbal de Medrano presents his ''Missa Voce Mea'' to Cardinal-Archbisbop [[Rodrigo de Castro Osorio|Rodrigo de Castro]].]]
[[File:Cristobal de Medrano and Rodrigo de Castro.png|thumb|right|Cristóbal de Medrano presents his ''Missa Voce Mea'' to Cardinal-Archbisbop [[Rodrigo de Castro Osorio|Rodrigo de Castro]].]]
"To the Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord Don Rodrigo de Castro, Archbishop of Seville, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Counselor of His Majesty, and His Major Chaplain. Illustrious and Reverend Lord, It is the humility of my soul and the devotion of my heart, which, drawn from the deep admiration for Your Lordship's greatness, pushes me to lay at your feet this work of my humble abilities. In this document, I humbly dedicate myself to Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Person, hoping to offer it as a small token of the reverence and gratitude I feel toward Your Eminence for your most noble virtues and patronage, which extend as an infinite sea of compassio and protection. May this humble offering be received by Your Grace as a sign of my profound respect and loyalty. I ask that Your Illustrious Lordship, in your immense kindness, accept it with the same favor with which I offer it."<ref>{{Citeweb |title=Patrimonio Digital · Patrimonio UCM |url=https://patrimoniodigital.ucm.es/s/patrimonio/item/408217 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=patrimoniodigital.ucm.es}}</ref>
"To the Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord Don Rodrigo de Castro, Archbishop of Seville, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Counselor of His Majesty, and His Major Chaplain. Illustrious and Reverend Lord, It is the humility of my soul and the devotion of my heart, which, drawn from the deep admiration for Your Lordship's greatness, pushes me to lay at your feet this work of my humble abilities. In this document, I humbly dedicate myself to Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Person, hoping to offer it as a small token of the reverence and gratitude I feel toward Your Eminence for your most noble virtues and patronage, which extend as an infinite sea of compassion and protection. May this humble offering be received by Your Grace as a sign of my profound respect and loyalty. I ask that Your Illustrious Lordship, in your immense kindness, accept it with the same favor with which I offer it."<ref name=":2"/>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
The final motet, based on [[Psalm 141]], where [[David|King David]] pleads for divine assistance while alone in a cave, may symbolically reflect Medrano’s own appeal for protection or gratitude to the cardinal. This manuscript, originally part of Rodrigo de Castro’s private library, was transferred to the [[List of Jesuit educational institutions|Jesuit college]] in Monforte, which the cardinal had founded. During or after the [[Suppression of the Society of Jesus|Jesuit expulsion]], it moved to the Imperial College Library in Madrid, later becoming part of the Central University Library and eventually reaching the Marqués de Valdecilla Historical Library of the [[Complutense University of Madrid]], where it is preserved in excellent condition.<ref name=":1" />
The final motet, based on [[Psalm 141]], where [[David|King David]] pleads for [[Divine providence|divine assistance]] while alone in a cave, may symbolically reflect Medrano's own appeal for protection or gratitude to the cardinal. This manuscript, originally part of Rodrigo de Castro's private library, was transferred to the [[List of Jesuit educational institutions|Jesuit college]] in Monforte, which the cardinal had founded. During or after the [[Suppression of the Society of Jesus|Jesuit expulsion]], it moved to the Imperial College Library in Madrid, later becoming part of the Central University Library and eventually reaching the Marqués de Valdecilla Historical Library of the [[Complutense University of Madrid]], where it is preserved in excellent condition.<ref name=":1" />
==== Legacy ====
==== Legacy ====
Medrano's ''Missa Voce Mea'' manuscript holds significant historical and cultural value within [[Galicians|Galician]] and [[Iberians|Iberian]] musical heritage, contributing to the rich tradition of [[Renaissance music|Spanish Renaissance music]]. In 2015, the Missa Voce Mea and its accompanying motet were performed during the Espazos Sonoros festival at the Monforte de Lemos church, where the cardinal’s remains are interred.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=4wh3RMRIDSuqXXtx&v=9hQHtH5teD4&feature=youtu.be |title=CRISTÓBAL DE MEDRANO: Misa Voce Mea -Sanctus- |date=2015-09-24 |last=Barbebleuei |access-date=2024-09-16 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The performance was a success, with the Vox Stellae choir and Menestreis de 1500 instrumental group on stage. The concert also featured two Villanescas Espirituales by Francisco Guerrero, a contemporary composer closely associated with the cardinal.<ref name=":1" />
Medrano's ''Missa Voce Mea'' manuscript holds significant historical and cultural value within [[Galicians|Galician]] and [[Iberians|Iberian]] musical heritage, contributing to the rich tradition of [[Renaissance music|Spanish Renaissance music]]. In 2015, the ''Missa Voce Mea'' and its accompanying motet were performed during the Espazos Sonoros festival at the [[Monforte de Lemos]] church, where the cardinal's remains are interred.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=4wh3RMRIDSuqXXtx&v=9hQHtH5teD4&feature=youtu.be |title=CRISTÓBAL DE MEDRANO: Misa Voce Mea -Sanctus- |date=2015-09-24 |last=Barbebleuei |access-date=2024-09-16 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The performance was a success, with the Vox Stellae choir and Menestreis de 1500 instrumental group on stage.<ref name=":1" />
Cristóbal de Medrano (b. 1561 – d. 1597) was a noble from the House of Medrano, a Basque-Spanish composer, organist of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada in Llerena, and Maestro de capillo of the Badajoz Cathedral and Church of San Juan Bautista in Marchena.[1] He is the author of the Missa voce mea cum sex vocibus manuscript, published by Antonio Baciero in 1594.[2]
Cristóbal de Medrano most likely was born in Seville during the reign of Philip II of Spain. Cristóbal belonged to the noble House of Medrano, an ancient family under the protection of the Monarchs of Spain. Cristóbal identified himself as a "Cantabren" in his Missa Voca Mea manuscript.[3] He belonged to a family of musicians active in the last third of the 16th century in the cathedrals of Seville, Córdoba, and Jaén.[4] However, instead of joining the Seville Cathedral choir as a chorister, as his potential birth in Seville might suggest, it seems he joined as a seise in the Jaén Cathedral, where on July 4, 1561, a choirboy by that name is documented.[5] He was a relative of Francisco de Medrano y Villa, a famous poet from Seville.
He was a musician in the private music chapel of Rodrigo de Castro Osorio, who at that time was the metropolitan archbishop of Seville. Castro was an important patron of the Spanish Renaissance, from the family of the Count of Lemos. In 1583, Cristóbal de Medrano appears as the organist of the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada in Llerena.[4]
In mid-1585, he succeeded Antonio de Villaroel in the position of maestro at the Church of San Juan Bautista in Marchena, in the province of Seville. Cristóbal de Medrano was hired with a salary of 12,000 maravedís per year, slightly lower than Villaroel, who earned 15,000. However, he was granted an increase of 8,000 maravedís as an annual cost-of-living allowance, according to the mandate of the vicar Íñigo de Leciñana. He remained in the position until the end of August 1587.[6]
Maestro de capillo at the Cathedral of Badajoz (1587-1596)
The position of maestro de capillo at the Cathedral of Badajoz had become vacant following the death of maestro Luis de Quiñones in 1587.[7] The chapter contacted Cristóbal de Medrano in June of that same year, culminating in the negotiations between both parties with Medrano taking possession of the position on December 6, 1587. It seems that relations between Medrano and the chapter of Badajoz were not very cordial.[2] He remained in the position until November 22, 1596. He was temporarily replaced by Gil Fernández until the arrival of Esteban de Brito.[8]
In the Historical Library of the Complutense University of Madrid, there is a preserved 1594 manuscript of the Missa Voce Mea, which includes a mass and motet. The mass was published in 1996 by Antonio Baciero and Alfonso Peciña.[9] In Badajoz, he left the Missa Voce Mea cum sex vocibus, published by Antonio Baciero.[2]
Cristóbal de Medrano's Missa Voce Mea manuscript,[3] dating from 1594, is a six-voice mass and motet dedicated to Cardinal Rodrigo de Castro, Archbishop of Seville, a significant patron of the Spanish Renaissance.[10] Hidden within the manuscript's cover illustration is a six-voice canon. The manuscript serves as a comprehensive tribute, with the phrase "Rodericus Cardinalis" appearing throughout the mass and motet, creating a sonic reminder of the figure to whom the work is dedicated. Heraldic symbols related to the house of Lemos, to which the cardinal belonged, are incorporated into the decorative capital letters of the various sections of the mass.[4]
Cristóbal de Medrano dedicated his Missa Voce Mea manuscript to Rodrigo de Castro:
Cristóbal de Medrano presents his Missa Voce Mea to Cardinal-Archbisbop Rodrigo de Castro.
"To the Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord Don Rodrigo de Castro, Archbishop of Seville, Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, Counselor of His Majesty, and His Major Chaplain. Illustrious and Reverend Lord, It is the humility of my soul and the devotion of my heart, which, drawn from the deep admiration for Your Lordship's greatness, pushes me to lay at your feet this work of my humble abilities. In this document, I humbly dedicate myself to Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Person, hoping to offer it as a small token of the reverence and gratitude I feel toward Your Eminence for your most noble virtues and patronage, which extend as an infinite sea of compassion and protection. May this humble offering be received by Your Grace as a sign of my profound respect and loyalty. I ask that Your Illustrious Lordship, in your immense kindness, accept it with the same favor with which I offer it."[3]
The final motet, based on Psalm 141, where King David pleads for divine assistance while alone in a cave, may symbolically reflect Medrano's own appeal for protection or gratitude to the cardinal. This manuscript, originally part of Rodrigo de Castro's private library, was transferred to the Jesuit college in Monforte, which the cardinal had founded. During or after the Jesuit expulsion, it moved to the Imperial College Library in Madrid, later becoming part of the Central University Library and eventually reaching the Marqués de Valdecilla Historical Library of the Complutense University of Madrid, where it is preserved in excellent condition.[4]
Medrano's Missa Voce Mea manuscript holds significant historical and cultural value within Galician and Iberian musical heritage, contributing to the rich tradition of Spanish Renaissance music. In 2015, the Missa Voce Mea and its accompanying motet were performed during the Espazos Sonoros festival at the Monforte de Lemos church, where the cardinal's remains are interred.[11] The performance was a success, with the Vox Stellae choir and Menestreis de 1500 instrumental group on stage.[4]
^Jiménez Cavallé, Pedro (1994). «Los seises de la catedral de Jaén durante el siglo XVI». Boletín del Instituto de Estudios Giennenses 1 (151): 515. ISSN 0561-3590.
