Rating: 4/5
Review:
Fine Palestrina, less good Allegri
This is yet another fine disc from Oxford Camerata, although
I do have some reservations about it: I think the Palestrina is excellent but
I'm a little less happy with their performance of Allegri's Miserere.
The principal works here are two of Palestrina's finest mass
settings, Missa Papae Marcelli and Missa Aeterna Christi munera. Both are beautifully judged and performed
here. Oxford Camerata produce a lovely,
warm sound which never becomes blurred or muddy. There is a lovely fluency of line and engagement
with the text and technically the singing is excellent, with impeccable tuning
and precise ensemble singing. The are
lovely performances, I think, and an interesting contrast to The Tallis
Scholars' classic recording of the Missa Papae Marcelli which is more clear and
defined in sound but less warm. I love
both, and which you prefer is just a matter of personal taste, I think.
For me, the Allegri isn't as well judged. The tempo is quite quick and I find the delivery
almost aggressive – it's certainly much more robust than in many versions. I have the greatest respect for Jeremy
Summerly's scholarship and judgement, but I do wonder whether this is really
the ideal tone for such a beautiful supplication for mercy.
Nonetheless, this is a fine disc and I can recommend these
Palestrina performances very warmly.
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