Customer Reviews

Tallis: Spem in alium; Missa Salve intemerata

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

 

 

From beginning to end, Summerly and the Oxford Camerata are entirely convincing. They make a strong case for the music of Thomas Tallis. And although some of it contains theologically inaccurate doctrine, the music is still delightful. Spem in alium is rapturous in a overwhelmingly beautiful way; the performance, if a bit stately, is still totally consuming.

If you have the right equipment, it would benefit you to purchase the SACD surround-sound disc, available for only a few extra dollars. Spem in alium was recorded in a special way. Two choirs were positioned at each point of a cross shape, surrounding the listener with glorious sound indeed. Two speakers provide the normal rapture of this piece very well, but with SACD...

At bargain price, this is nigh unbeatable, but I also recommend the two-CD collection of the Tallis Scholars' contribution to this neglected repertoire on Gimell (The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis). Only Spem in alium occurs in both. All the pieces in the present collection are quite lovely. The last three are even in English! They all sound so beautiful. If these do not inspire reflection on God's Word, I don't know what music will.

Naxos scores again!

The cascading voices opening this unique and moving choral work will entice the listener into a reverie to sooth the soul. Les Pounds

A fine recording of talented singers performing beautiful music. Fabulous, ethereal singing, with a recording of such quality that it sounds good even on my two-bit crap boom-box.

Tallis arrived in perfect condition in it's shrink wrap. Didn't listen to it as it was a gift.