Rating: 4/5
Review:
A good disc
I like New York Polyphony's work; this is another good
recording by them, although I have some personal reservations about it.
The two major works here are Palestrina's famous Missa Papae
Marcelli and Victoria's Missa O
Quam Gloriosam. I think this recording
of the Palestrina works very well; New York Polyphony have quite a spare,
haunting sound which I find slightly reminiscent of The Hillard Ensemble, and
they bring a new and welcome intimacy to the Missa Papae Marcelli. There have been many fine recordings of
it. For example, I have loved The Tallis
Scholars' classic account since I first heard it soon after it was released in
1980 for its engagement with the text and control of mood, its wonderful
clarity of line and its huge, almost Wall Of Sound impact in places. This is quite different yet shares the
qualities of clarity and engagement while being much smaller and more intimate
in approach. It's a lovely take on a
much-recorded work.
I donn't think the Victoria
works quite so well. For me, Victoria
needs a full, rich sound for the music to really speak, and this felt slightly
emotionless to me. I am sure others may
disagree, but I don't find this nearly as satisfying as the Palestrina.
Nonetheless, this is a good disc by a fine ensemble. The recorded sound is excellent in a lovely
acoustic with just the right amount of resonance for me, and I can recommend it
with only slight personal reservations.
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