Customer Reviews

Sacred Music in the Renaissance, Vol. 2

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a fantastic set of four CDs, the second of three released by the Tallis Scholars to mark 30 years of recordings. Volume 2 is a selection from the 1990s, and genuinely does represent some of their finest recordings - which from the Tallis Scholars is really saying something. The track listings on this page give a good summary of the works included I have owned and loved all of the original discs from which these recordings are taken for many years, and together they form a magnificent set.

The set opens with Brumel's stunning "Earthquake Mass" - a sort of 12-voice Renaissance Wall Of Sound which overwhelmed me the first time I heard it and still does every time I play it (which is often), and every work in this set is an absolute gem. I could enthuse at length about each of them individually, but that would make this review far too long. Every one of them is a treasure of my collection and this set is varied, beautiful and engaging. (Just try the opening of Isaac's Tota pulchra es, for example, and I'll bet you won't be able to move until it's finished.)

As to the singing - it's magnificent. The Tallis Scholars' trademark immaculate tuning, ideal blend and balance and crystal clarity are there throughout, as is their real engagement with the text. The recorded sound is impeccable and ideally suited to the group's sound, and the notes and full texts are excellent.

You simply can't go wrong at this price for four discs of magnificent music, beautifully sung. Very warmly recommended indeed.