Special offer. Palestrina Volume 4
The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
In these performances there are fine examples of large-scale architectural sense, as in the driving clarity of Surge illuminare, and of textural sensitivity in the brilliantly perky imitation...
Special offer. Palestrina Volume 4
The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Purchase product
In these performances there are fine examples of large-scale architectural sense, as in the driving clarity of Surge illuminare, and of textural sensitivity in the brilliantly perky imitation...
About
This album features a selection of Palestrina’s music for Christmas including his largely unknown masterpiece, the Missa O magnum mysterium. Also presented are several unusual hymn settings amongst them A solis ortu cardine—a setting of a chant hymn for Christmas morning.
Alongside the hymns are motets from the Song of Songs. The Song of Songs are among some of Palestrina’s most sublime and expressive works and, as with previous disc in the series, this album includes three of them. Dedicated to Pope Gregory XIII, Palestrina’s style of writing for these sensual texts demonstrates what variety and intensity of feeling can be conveyed with the simplest of means.
Completing this recording are three double-choir motets (a genre in which Palestrina was unsurpassed), Ave Regina, Iubilate Deo and Surge illuminare.
Contents and tracklist
Awards and reviews
April 2014
In these performances there are fine examples of large-scale architectural sense, as in the driving clarity of Surge illuminare, and of textural sensitivity in the brilliantly perky imitation of the 'Sicut erat' section of the Magnificat...The singing throughout is well-blended and precisely tuned.
November 2013
The Sixteen turn in a spirited, at times even sprightly performance [of the O magnum mysterium mass]
Early Music Today
Christophers and The Sixteen achieve a sinuous, sensuous choral texture that ranges from the austere propriety of the masses to the devotional passion of Ecce, tu pulcher es.
The Independent on Sunday 8th September 2013
[Palestrina's] soaring, arcing lines and setting with conviction of the Mass and other liturgical and biblical texts are wondrously realised in The Sixteen's continuing exploration of the composer.
