This is another excellent Hyperion disc dedicated to some of the more obscure music by Palestrina with an important new recording of the Missa Dum complementur.
This is a typical Italian Renaissance work full of swirling, romantic melodies and a beautifully direct rush to the finish line as exemplified in the ravishing 'Credo'. The Westminster Cathedral Choir is an exemplary ensemble under their young director, Martin Baker.
The assortment of pieces on disc is also very intriguing. The 'Magnificat sexti toni' is particularly enticing with a lovely fugue towards the end that is really quite ravishing. Baker also presents a number of shorter works such as the 'Allelulia' and 'Spiritus Sanctus', concise yet quite unimpeachable in construction.
Ivan Moody's notes are a model of clarity and information and reveal much unknown aspects of Palestrina's music. The recording is soft and subtle, with some hiss at the top, but otherwise excellent. Obviously, this is a straightforward recommendation to all lovers of this sort of music.
Copyright © 2007, Gerald Fenech