Philippe Verdelot one of the composers credited with developing the Italian madrigal. Though French, he spent most of his professional life in Florence. His publications spread throughout Europe and set the model for this Renaissance vocal form. Verdelot wrote mostly five- and six-voice madrigals. This release features some of his less-common four-voice madrigals. They were […]
choral music
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Christian Friedrich Ruppe cantatas have broad appeal
Handel wrote “Messiah” to benefit the London Foundlings Hospital and it’s now a holiday standard. Christian Friedrich Ruppe wrote his cantatas to benefit an orphan’s home in Leiden. After their initial performances, they remained unheard for 250 years. Ruppe wrote the Christmas and Easter cantatas on this release for the Holy Spirit of Poor Orphans […]
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Seasonal Serenity from Brian Galante and Stephen Paulus
This release features two world premiere recordings: Brian Galante’s “So Hallow’d the Time,” and Stephen Paulus’ “Christmas Dances.” They couldn’t be in better hands. Robert Taylor’s ensemble, the Taylor Festival Choir sings with a clean, translucent sound that resonates with the deep spirituality of these works. “So Hallow’d the Time” is a quiet contemplation on […]
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Mirabile Mysterium spans centuries of choral Christmas music
I love Christmas music. But I don’t love hearing the same old tunes trotted out year after year. We have over two millennia of sacred music written for this season, variety shouldn’t be difficult. That’s what I like about Mirabile Mysterium. Matthias Jung conducts the Sächsisches Vocalensemble in a wide-ranging program of seasonal sacred music. […]
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Christmas Music at Thomaskirche a fine tradition
Machet die Tore weilt, Weihnachtmusik an der Thomaskirche (Christmas Music at Thomaskirche) is the second such collection of music I’ve reviewed this year. That is seasonal sacred music by the composers who preceded Johann Sebastian Bach at Thomaskirche, Leipzig. I’m not sure if this is some kind of trend, but I’d be happy if it was. […]
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Sarah Connolly shines in Arthur Bliss cantatas
This outstanding release presents three relatively late works by Arthur Bliss. At the time, they were considered a little old-fashioned. Heard now, though, I think they show the originality of Bliss’ vision — and his skill at orchestral writing. Mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly shines in “The Enchantress” and “Mary of Magdala.” Her voice can sound warm, […]
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Cantica Symphonia masterfully perform Josquin Desprez
This is the fourth volume of music by Josquin Desprez that Cantica Symphonia has released on Glossa. Giuseppe Maletto and the ensemble released two volumes of Josquin’s motets, plus one of chansons. Their next release was a collection of Marian motets (compositions in praise of the Virgin Mary) by various Renaissance composers. This recording seems […]
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Alexander Kastalsky Requiem a major — and important — release
To me, this is the epitome of a major release. It’s a world premiere recording of a major work with an assemblage of all-stars. Alexander Kastalsky’s Commemoration for Fallen Brothers honors the casualties of the First World Way with a universal message. Kastalsky began work on this massive work in 1914 and completed it in […]
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Beethoven Cantatas Show Early Promise
Leif Segerstam’s cycle of Beethoven choral works continues with some of his earliest compositions. In 1790, the nineteen-year-old Beethoven was a court musician in Bonn. He was commissioned to write two cantatas. Basically, it was “the king is dead, long live the king.” The first cantata was to mourn the death of the recently deceased […]