The Role of the Chapel Master in the Preservation of Liturgical Music in Cuenca: A Study on Jhoffre Mora

Abstract

This study analyzes the work of the chapel master Jhoffre Mora and his role in the preservation of liturgical music in the New Cathedral of Cuenca, Ecuador. For more than two decades, Jhoffre Mora has contributed significantly to the continuity of the sacred musical tradition, being one of the last exponents of a craft that has been fundamental in the religious and cultural history of the city. This work is framed in a context where the figure of the chapel master has been evolving since its origins in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, adapting to liturgical and social changes, especially after the Second Vatican Council. The research is developed through a qualitative approach, using techniques such as interviews with relevant actors, documentary analysis of historical archives and scores, as well as direct observation of liturgical ceremonies. These methods allow a deep understanding of the career of Jhoffre Mora and his influence on the selection, adaptation and performance of the musical repertoire of the Cathedral. In addition, it explores the ways in which Mora has integrated the tradition of Gregorian chant and liturgical hymns with the contemporary needs of the Cuenca community, promoting an active participation of the faithful in religious ceremonies. The study highlights the importance of the chapel master not only as a performer and musical director, but also as a custodian of the intangible heritage that is liturgical music. Jhoffre Mora has played a key role in preserving a repertoire that connects the community to its spiritual roots, while also creating new works that reflect his own sensibility and the evolution of sacred music in the region. The research concludes that Mora's work is a living testimony to the cultural and spiritual relevance of liturgical music in Cuenca, underlining the need to value and support the work of chapel masters in the preservation of the city's musical and religious identity.