Fascinating Works by Hernando Franco: Masterpieces of Mexican Polyphony
Experience the enchanting harmony of Baroque music from Latin America, a collection of masterpiece polyphonic works brought to life by the exquisite rendition of Ex Cathedra under the illustrious leadership of Jeffrey Skidmore. This collection highlights the enduring legacy of Hernando Franco, one of the most significant composers of the Renaissance active in colonial Latin America.
About Hernando Franco
Hernando Franco (1532–1585) was a Spanish-born composer whose career flourished in Mexico and Guatemala during the late 16th century. He is best remembered as the first major maestro de capilla—choirmaster—of Mexico City Cathedral, where he established the musical standards that shaped sacred polyphony throughout New Spain. Before his appointment in Mexico, Franco worked in various important posts, including Santo Domingo, Cuba, and Guatemala, indicating his broad influence across the Iberian world.
His Surviving Works
Franco’s preserved output comprises 20 motets, 16 settings of the Magnificat, and a Lamentations of Jeremiah for four voices. Notably, he did not write any masses, which is surprising for a composer of his stature, though it is possible many works have been lost over time. His music is characterized by a conservative, austere style, careful treatment of dissonance, avoidance of chromaticism and virtuosity, and limited vocal ranges, likely reflecting the skills of his choirs in the New World. Franco also has two surviving works in the archives of the Guatemala Cathedral—Lumen ad revelationem and Benedicamus Domino—which are the earliest extant music manuscripts from Guatemala.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Franco’s works are pivotal for understanding the transmission and adaptation of Renaissance polyphony in the Americas. While earlier composers were present in Mexico, Franco was regarded by his contemporaries as the finest composer of his age in the region. Some of his hymns in the indigenous Nahuatl language are still preserved.
Through the mesmerizing beauty of Mexican Polyphony and the genius musical craftsmanship of Hernando Franco, get ready to be swept off your feet by Franco's stunning chorales punctuated with the vibrant rhythms of Latin America. Embrace this opportunity to experience the magic of Franco's music and join us in celebrating the timeless charm of Mexican Polyphony—the music that speaks directly to the soul.