Anselm Viola i Valentí (1738-1798)
- Missa Alma Redemptoris Mater
Performers: Escolania de Montserrat; Orquestra d'antics escolans; Ireneu Segarra (1917-2005, conductor)
Further info: Missa Alma Redemptoris Mater
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Spanish teacher and composer. The eldest son of Francesc Viola's third
marriage, his mother's name was Maria Rosa Valentí. He trained at the
Escolania de Montserrat under Benet Julià and Josep Antoni Martí. On 20
March 1756, he began his novitiate at the Monastery of Montserrat, where
he took his vows in 1757. He then moved to Madrid, where he completed
his ecclesiastical and musical studies at the Church of Nuestra Señora
de Montserrat, coming under the influence of José de Nebra. He also
premiered many of his works there, achieving great success at the royal
chapel. Upon returning to Montserrat in 1768, he was appointed master of
the Escolania, teaching renowned students such as Fernando Sor, who
wrote memoirs detailing the life of his master Anselm Viola, and master
of the music chapel, positions he held until his death. As a composer,
he wrote instrumental works, sonatas, and other pieces for keyboard
instruments, as well as a classical-style concerto for bassoon and
orchestra. He composed two masses for voices and orchestra, two
Magnificats for six and seven voices (the second with basso continuo),
'Tèrcia i Completes' (both for seven voices with accompaniment), and a
Lamentation for alto and orchestra.
