The Eton Choirbook
Huelgas Ensemble, Paul Van Nevel
These are wonderful pieces, performed in a warm acoustic and with a sure sense of monumental effect. It is the details that need tidying up...However, the choir deserves credit for its fine...
The Eton Choirbook
Huelgas Ensemble, Paul Van Nevel
Purchase product
These are wonderful pieces, performed in a warm acoustic and with a sure sense of monumental effect. It is the details that need tidying up...However, the choir deserves credit for its fine...
About
The Eton Choirbook is a richly illuminated manuscript collection of English sacred music composed during the late fifteenth century. The Huelgas Ensemble, known for their splendid interpretations, selected five astonishing works which were never recorded before. Founded by Paul Van Nevel in 1970, the Huelgas Ensemble soon specialized in the music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, drawing closely on primary sources and making a vital contribution to the study of early music through its published research. The Ensemble's performances are informed by a profound understanding of medieval and Renaissance vocal techniques and practices. The Ensemble has made more than 50 recordings. They have won many awards including the Belgian music press's Caecilia Price, Le Monde de la Musique's Choc de l'Année, an Edison Award, the Cannes Classical Award and the 'Prix in honorem' of the Académie Charles Cros.
Contents and tracklist
Awards and reviews
October 2013
These are wonderful pieces, performed in a warm acoustic and with a sure sense of monumental effect. It is the details that need tidying up...However, the choir deserves credit for its fine tuning and its sure-footed alertness to the overall musical architecture.
August 2013
The six women on the top line give a very good emulation of the English choirboy sound. So it is a warm welcome for Van Nevel's English foray and particularly for the programme...A thoroughly positive addition to the catalogue.
September 2013
The Europeans sing with perfect ensemble and full technical command of the music's many intricacies, allied with a full-blooded warmth and electrifying energy that distinguishes them from the more rarified-sounding English cathedral and college choirs.
10th September 2013
For lovers of early Tudor church music this recording is a must - and not only for the three premieres. Non-specialists should be warned: they may well be so entranced that they will have to have the other recordings of this wonderful music.
9th June 2013
The extensive Eton Choirbook, compiled in the 15th century, contains the most highly elaborate, beautifully decorated gothic music in the English tradition...Van Nevel's choir of 15 singers is equal to all the melismatic challenges.
