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| Album Review |
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| Renaissance Singers |
| Masterpieces of the Renaissance |
The Renaissance Singers, an ensemble of 10-12 professional singers in Seattle, specializes in the performance of vocal Renaissance music. Vocal Renaissance music is characterized by elaborate polyphony, the use of independent vocal lines interwoven to create a result that is greater than the sum of its parts. On this recording "Masterpieces of the Renaissance", The Renaissance Singers has pulled together a collection of some of the finest examples of vocal polyphony from English composer Thomas Tallis to German composer Heinrich Schutz. As the title of the CD suggests, the pieces on the recording are quintessential masterpieces, representative of the best works that have survived this exciting period of vocal music.
The recording opens with Ne irascaris Domine, a substantial motet by William Byrd, followed by Sancte Deus and Audivi vocem, composed by Byrd’s teacher, Thomas Tallis. Both Tallis and Byrd are considered cornerstones of English renaissance vocal music. Performed with beautiful clarity, this music is exemplary of the beauty of independent vocal lines that weave together soaring melodies and luscious harmonies. What follows are two Gregorian Chants, Salve Regina and Regina caeli. Although these are really medieval pieces as opposed to Renaissance, the unison singing provides a nice break from the preceding polyphony. The chants serve to cleanse the palate and prepare our ears for John Bennet’s Weep, O Mine Eyes. This well-known English madrigal pays tribute to John Dowland by using parts of his famous Flow My Tears, and receives a moving performance with each voice part contributing to the mournful tone.
The most glorious singing on this recording comes on G.P. da Palestrina’s Alma Redemptoris Mater. This track gives us Italian polyphony at its finest: smooth, florid and seamless. This contrasts nicely with the next track by German composer, Heinrich Schutz. Selig Sind die Toten exemplifies Schutz’s imitative style and use of rhythmic variety. The recording concludes by returning to Tallis’ well-known Lamentations (of Jeremiah). Written for Holy Week services, the solemn and repentant feeling is interwoven with a feeling of glory and redemption.
The Renaissance Singers, under the direction of Markdavin Obenza, are to be lauded for their performance of this fine collection of vocal renaissance. They perform each piece with a respect for the genre making this a recording worthy of collecting. |
Link to Album site |
Copyright ©2008 In C Major
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The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for the original concert information. Check with the official event web site prior to the performance to confirm information. Although we do our best, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of concert program information presented on this site. All information is subject to change.
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