Filipe de Magalhes - Missa O Soberana luz

Magalhães succeeded Mendes as mestre da claustra at Évora before relocating to Lisbon, where he became mestre de capela of the royal chapel. Far more substantial is his Missa O Soberana luz for five voices (here, SSATB). The title, “O Sovereign light”, may refer to Philip IV of Spain. (The kingdoms of Portugal and Spain were united under the Spanish Hapsburgs from 1580 to 1640.) Victoria’s motet, O lux et decus Hispanie (O the light and glory of Spain), also refers to Philip as light. A more significant connection to Philip is established by the head motive (a recurring melody at the beginning of each movement) shared by Missa O Soberana luz and Cardoso’s Missa Philippina. Cardoso employs a rising major-mode melody, with most of the occurrences sung to the words “Philippus quartus” (Philip the fourth). Magalhães uses the same melody, but in minor mode and without the special text, usually placed in the tenor voice. Although the mass is set in duple time throughout, Magalhães