The Renaissance In Music (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Unlike some "greatest-hits" samplers, this well-chosen selection can serve a purpose for even some fairly advanced music lovers who still don't know this period well. Annotator David Fallows ties things together with perceptive commentary, and the performances chosen (most of them from stylistically enlightened recordings) are all quite fine. The uncredited programmer hasn't hesitated to emphasize great names (Dufay and Josquin Des Prez) or to include stylistically weird material (Solage's incredibly dissonant Fumeux fume). Only a few minutes after Solage, we get the gorgeous euphony of Tallis' Spem in alium! It's a pity that no texts are included, or that there isn't any bouncy dance music, but this is still a fine single-disc introduction to the period. The timing is about as long as possible. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Ave Maria
O Salutaris Hostia
Panis Angelicus - John Eskola
Tantum Ergo
Ave Maria - Lorelei McDermott
O Sanctissima
O Bone Jesu
Ave Verum Corpus
Jubilate Deo
Confirma Hoc Deus
Adoro Te, O Panis
O Esca Viatorum
Veni, Jesu, Amor Mi
Emitte Spiritum Tuum
Adoremus In Aeternum - William Combs
Ave Maris Stella
Regina Caeli Laetare
Adoramus Te, Christe - The Cathedral Singers/Richard Proulx T
Tantum Ergo
Ecce Sacerdos Magnus

Customer Reviews:

nice to remember.......2007-01-04

Takes my husband & I back to the 60s........not a bad memory......

It is amazing!!!.......2006-11-10

I am very happy with my purchase. This item is better than what I was expecting. It was amazing how fast I received my order, I highly recommend it and hope that more people order it.

The best Latin music I've heard.......2006-04-18

The music in this CD is done beautifully! If features "Panis Angelicus", which if you like Charlotte Church singing it, you will like this- with a man's voice! There is no goofy revisions and modernization done to the music that I can tell. (I only say that in case some smart 15th century music history scholar comes around and disagrees!) It is very peaceful and will help anyone to calm down and give thanks to God. I think because the music is in Latin you will not grow tired of it as easily, and not to mention the fact that this music will continue to inspire you and put you in the presence of Christ better. OHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! How I wish we were singing this sort of Latin music instead of "All our Welcome" and "Sing a new Church"! Let's keep the same Church Christ established thank you! And let's keep the Latin!!!!!!!

60's and the Latin Mass.......2006-03-15

I am one of those 60s people. We did not throw out the Latin mass. Why would we? We liked it. I served most of the high masses of the holidays. It was a small cabal of newly ordained priests and bishops in the Vatican II committees who threw it out. They wanted to be more like their Protestant bretheren; have the congregation face them instead of God. Read the book MISSING MARY while you are listening to this CD. They threw her out at the same time; no women in high places - their answer to the feminists of the 60s.

Latinlover.......2005-12-18

As a devoted lover of Catholic Latin hymns, I was disappointed at the enemic presentation of these beautiful hymns to God. I believe that the singers had the best of intentions but I would suggest to look for other versions of these wonderful songs to heaven.

Gabrieli · Monteverdi · Vivaldi - Venetian Church Music / Taverner Consort, Choir & Players · Andrew Parrott

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
A "Regular People" Review
exceptional tone quality
The Fabulous Andrew Parrott
Fabulous introduction to Venetian sacred music

Gabrieli · Monteverdi · Vivaldi - Venetian Church Music / Taverner Consort, Choir & Players · Andrew Parrott
Giovanni Gabrieli , Claudio Monteverdi , Antonio Vivaldi , Dario Castello , Giovanni Legrenzi , Antonio Lotti , Alessandro Grandi , Andrew Parrott , and Choir & Players Taverner Consort
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005IA23
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Dulcis Jesu
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Pian E Forte
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Jubilate Deo
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 14
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: O Jesu Mi Dulcissime
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Hic Est Filius Dei
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Con Tre Violini
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 22
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Miserere Me Deus - Gloria Patri
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon In Echo Duodecimi Toni
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Audite Principes

Tracks:

Intonationi D'Organo, 1593: Intonatione Del Nono Tono
Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1965: In Ecclesiis
Motetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Adoramus Te, Christe
Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: O Quam Tu Pulchra Es
Sonate Concertate, Libro Secondo, 1629: Sonata Seconda
Arie De Diversi, 1624: Exulta, Filia Sion
Sonate, Libro Terzo, Op.8, 1663: Son Da Chiesa A 3, Op.8 No.8 'La Bevilaqua'
Crucifixus
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Recitativo: Coeli Repleti Iam Novo Splendore
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Nunc Jubilare
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Alleluia
Crucifixus
Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: Currite Populi
Montetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Christe, Adoramus Te
Canzoni Et Sonate, 1615: Canzon VIII
Berlin, Deutsche Staatsbibliothek, MS Lynar A1: Fuga Del Nono Tono
Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1615: Magnificat

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-04-01

Polychoral music-music written for several groups of musicians separated spatially-was not peculiar to Venice, but it was associated with the Basilica of San Marco and ceremonial events in the Venetian cultural calendar.
Chordal writing reached its peak in the polychoral works of Giovanni Gabrieli(1555-1612), the principal church composer in Italy of the progressive development. He not only increased the number of choirs to four and the total pitch range to over four octaves, but also juxtaposed passages of conventional rhythm with strikingly jagged suncopated motifs. These dramatic contrasts were further intensified by occasional chromatic harmony and unusual dissonances and, more significantly, by the use of instruments that alternated or combined with the voices. All of these traits are well demonstrated in the music on disc 1 of this set. His music is wonderfully exciting!!!!
Upon his death, Monteverdi succeeded him, and took his own direction musically; much different from Gabrielli. It is not just that their styles are different, but the instrumentation is much different as you will hear upon listening to disc 2.
Two subsequent directors of music represented here are Legrenzi and Lotti, both primarily opera composers.
Vivaldi had no direct connection with the basililca; he worked at the 'Pieta', and his motet 'Clarae stellae' was written for a 'Signora Gertruda, a singer who sang at the Pieta. This is one of the most attractive pieces on disc 2, and is often recorded by countertenors (altos)but on this disc is sung by Randi Stene, mezzo soprano, who sings it quite well. Andreas Scholl has recorded this, and I do personally prefer Scholl's countertenor quality for this particular piece.
Monteverdi's 'Currite populi' is another favorite of mine, and its excellently performed herein.
There is just so much to enjoy on these two discs for the early music lover. The instruments are very skillfully played and the styles of the various composers are adhered to all the time. The balance between the voices and the instruments is perfect as one might expect from Parrott's performers. The soloists: Emily van Evera (soprano), Randi Stene (mezzo) and Jeffrey Thomas (tenor) all sang with the correct emotional investment. Certainly worth listening to!!!!

A "Regular People" Review .......2007-01-09

Venetian Church Music?....never thought I'd be listening to that, anyway this music is for those who seek it out, If thats not you this probably won't interest you (but you can try some renaissance/baroque experimental listening to see if you'd like it!). If your into this though, this is a good deal.

exceptional tone quality.......2006-03-28

When I purchased this recording, I had not yet had the pleasure of owning an Andrew Parrott/Taverner Consort recording. I was so impressed! Andrew really excercises an understanding of this genre, an understanding that I haven't often seen. In particular I was quite pleased with this rendintion of Gabrieli's "In ecclesiis" (although the Bass, I don't know his name, is too lacking in volume). Other than that, I just adore this CD set. I also recommend Andrew Parrot for anything predating Bach (*not including Bach!). There is a 5 CD of particular interest and quality called "From Monteverdi to Vivaldi" by this same ensemble that you might consider purchasing instead of this set (almost exact same price, and one of the CDs- the better of the two in this set- is included in the 5CD set).

The Fabulous Andrew Parrott.......2005-08-04

Who else but Andrew Parrott?! The fabulous adventurer in the field of early music, Parrott has time and again unearthed unknown masterpieces, shedding light on their original luster through a keen sense of the historical settings, employment of the proper historic instruments & period vocal style, and his own inspired musicianship. Throughout the 2nd half of the 20th century music lovers like me knew the works of Gabrieli through the appropriations by well-meaning ensembles of modern brass instruments: Chicago Symphony Brass, Canadian Brass, etc. Parrott has been the first to perform and record many of these works with early 17th century instruments, providing a restored sonic image for the 21st century connoisseur. Bravo! Encore, please!

Fabulous introduction to Venetian sacred music.......2003-07-24

This fantastic collection of music is probably one of the best introductions to Venetian Baroque (early to late) on offer.
The first disc, devoted to Giovanni Gabrieli, is nothing short of amazing. Cornetts, Baroque violins, tenor cornetts, sackbuts and multiple organs (try the first track - the huge Dulcis Jesu patris imago à 20 voci) can be heard on this disc and they are all played with great panache, style and, most importantly, expression. I bought both of these discs when they were issued on EMI Reflex over ten years ago - and I have never stopped loving these magnificent and colourful performances.

If you want only one recording of Giovanni Gabrieli's music - then this might be the one for you! The other might be the Gabrieli Consort's 'A Venetian Coronation'? (if you want two Gabrieli recordings in your collection!)

The second disc contains a very tasty selection of music by Legrenzi, Monteverdi, Vivaldi and, again, Giovanni Gabrieli (the star of the show!).

Tracks:

Spem In Alium
Sancte Deus
Salvator Mundi, Salva Nos I
Salvator Mundi, Salva Nos II
Gaude Gloriosa
Miserere Nostri
Loquebantur Variis Linguis
If Ye Love Me
Hear The Voice And Prayer
A New Commandment
O Lord, Give Thy Holy Spirit
Purge Me, O Lord
Verily, Verily I Say Unto You
Remember Not, O Lord God
Tunes For Archbishop Parker's Psalter
O Lord, In Thee Is All My Trust
Christ Rising Again
Blessed Are Those That Be Undefiled

Tracks:

Lamentations Of Jeremiah I
Lamentations Of Jeremiah II
Absterge Domine
O Sacrum Convivium
In Manus Tuas
Salve Intemerata
Magnificat For 4 Voices
Ave, Dei Patris Filia

Customer Reviews:

Impeccable English Style.......2007-07-13

If you favor blend, balance, pitch, and all the other parameters of the English traditional choral style, you'll be very impressed with the Tallis Scholars' refined presentation. the music speaks for itself.

The Tallis Scholars do their namesake proud.......2006-07-27

In the last couple of years, the Tallis Scholars have been compiling their sizeable recording output into attractive two-disc editions. Here, they've collected a large number of their interpretations of their namesake, Thomas Tallis. Tallis (c. 1505-1585) is, of course, one of the giants of Renaissance music, and he was certainly the greatest English composer of liturgical music between John Dunstable and William Byrd. I personally consider him the second-greatest Renaissance composer after Palestrina, but I'm not dogmatic about it. I love the music of Josquin, Victoria, and Byrd almost as much. Let's just say that, if you're interested in immersing yourself in the work of a single Renaissance composer, you can't do much better than Tallis.

These recordings were made 1985-1998, and they all sound great. Included in this collection are most of Tallis best and best-known works: the two Lamentations of Jeremiah, O Sacrum Convivium, Gaude Gloriosa, Tunes for Archbishop Parker's Psalter (which contains the theme that inspired Ralph Vaughan Williams' famous Fantasia), and the incredible 40-part motet Spem In Alium (which is one of the supreme masterpieces of the 16th century). Unfortunately, there are some notable absences, such as the Tallis Scholars' own recording of O Nata Lux. The Mass for 4 Voices, certainly one of Tallis' major works, is also nowhere to be found. Of course, there's only so much music that will fit onto two CDs, but it's still a shame that they couldn't fit at least one of Tallis' masses. Nevertheless, the music that's here is beautiful and powerful.

The Tallis Scholars themselves need no introduction. They're one of the most famous groups specializing in Renaissance music. It needs to be said, however, that if you're looking for "authentic" recordings (that is, recordings that approximate what the music originally sounded like in the 16th century), you might want to look elsewhere. The Tallis Scholars use female singers instead of boys or (ahem!) castrati (though it's doubtful that Tallis would have used or written for castrati himself). And one could complain that these recordings use too many singers for some of the smaller pieces or that the sopranos overpower some of the larger ones (like Spem In Alium). I'm neither an enthusiast nor an opponent of the authentic-performance movement; since we're listening to recorded music anyway, these issues strike me as moot. The Tallis Scholars are experienced and accomplished singers, and they achieve their primary goal: to provide superlative-sounding recordings of important early choral compositions. If you're looking for a fine compilation of Tallis' music or an excellent introduction to Renaissance music, this is it.

More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe

Average customer rating:

Better than most
Wonderful Music

More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe
Ludwig van Beethoven , Eugene-Auguste Ysaye , Johann Sebastian Bach , Jean Sibelius , Sergey Prokofiev , Jules Massenet , Anonymous , Fryderyk Chopin , Giacomo Puccini , Robert Schumann , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Kazuo Yamada , Claude Debussy , Felix Mendelssohn , Carl Maria von Weber , Enrique Granados , Gustav Holst , and Various Artists
Manufacturer: Denon Records
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Binding: Audio CD

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Most Relaxing Classical Piano Music in the Universe
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ASIN: B0000AINLR
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto #2, Adagio
VERDI Preludio
PAGANINI "Introduzione e tema con variazioni"
BRAHMS Sonata for two pianos, Andante
MOZART Adagio in E Major
BEETHOVEN "Pathetique" Sonata, Adagio
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SIBELIUS The Swan of Tuonela
PROKOFIEV Romeo and Juliet
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RACHMANINOFF Prelude

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TRADITIONAL Catalonian Folk Song
CHOPIN Piano Concerto #1, Larghetto
PUCCINI "Crisantemi" (Chrysanthemums)
SCHUMANN "Traumerei" (Dreaming)
TCHAIKOVSKY Swan Lake (excerpt)
K. YAMADA ''Chugoku-Chiho No Komoriuta" Lullaby
DEBUSSY "En Bateau" (By Boat)
BEETHOVEN Symphony #6 "Pastoral", Andante
MENDELSSOHN Songs Without Words
WEBER Introduction, theme and variations
GRANADOS "Goyescas" (Sketches on the works of Goya)
TCHAIKOVSKY Nocturne in F
HOLST The Planets, "Neptune"

Customer Reviews:

Better than most.......2007-02-08

This is a good mixture of elevator music, and some soft relaxing melodies.

Wonderful Music.......2007-01-18

Wonderful music for your listening pleasure. Very relaxing and soothing. Nothing beats classical music.

Average customer rating:

English Renaissance music done beautifully.
They don't come much better.
The finest brass ensembles all on 1 album
An interesting spin on English Renaissance Music
Great sound. Definitely a must for your collection.

English Renaissance Music

Manufacturer: Sony
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000026ZD
Release Date: 1990-03-12

Tracks:

Galliard
Alman: The Honeysuckle
The Silver Swan
Coranto: Heigh Ho Holiday
Oft Have I Vowed
My Bonny Lass
Coranto: Alarm
Fortune
Doe You Not Know
Pavan
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Thus Bonny-Boots
Jig
The Lady Oriana
The Satyr's Dance
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The Fitzwilliam Suite: Alman
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The Fitzwilliam Suite: The Earle Of Oxford's Marche
The Bells

Customer Reviews:

English Renaissance music done beautifully........2007-05-13

I bought this CD to have some authentic English Renaissance music in my collection,
and fell in love with it. The Earl of Oxford March is particularly appealing.

They don't come much better........2005-08-23

The incomparable Canadian Brass make this album a rare treat. From the first notes of Holborne's "Galliard" to the magnificent complexity of Byrd's "Fitzwilliam Suite", their renditions are sheer delight. The music is both relaxing and enjoyably stimulating. Repeated hearings allow the listener to discover some hidden turn or embellishment that was not noticed before, or to appreciate again the antiphonal and complementary interplay of the instruments in the antique harmonies they create. A most enjoyable recording.

The finest brass ensembles all on 1 album.......2002-01-31

I got this CD quite a while ago, and I still listen to it almost daily. Best at night in a candlelit room while it's raining sipping fine wine and reminising of the Renaissance festival! (wierd, I know. But that's just me) If you have an interest in this time period, you won't regret buying this CD.

An interesting spin on English Renaissance Music.......2000-08-09

The composers of 16th century England were able to take the music of other countries and produce something uniquely their own. So, too, has Canadian Brass taken English Renaissance music and made it into something wonderfully different. Immediately accessible (and acceptable) to modern ears, these tunes are a splendid treat. Almans and Galliards take on a whole new flavor when done entirely by brass instruments.

Great sound. Definitely a must for your collection........1999-11-05

I listen to this CD about once a week while riding to work so that I can keep my sanity. It was a gift from my daughters that keeps on giving.

Average customer rating:

Antiphonal Masterpiece
All-star brass
Instant playing
A VERY special album
I think Gabrieli would like this album

The Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli

Manufacturer: Sony
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Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Septimi Toni No. 2
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Duodecimi Toni
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon A 12
Giovanni Gabrieli: Sonata Octavi Toni
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Per Sonare No. 27
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Giovanni Gabrieli: Sonate Pian'e Forte
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Primi Toni
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Septimi Toni No. 1
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Noni Toni
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Per Sonare No. 2
Giovanni Gabrieli: Primo Tono
Giovanni Gabrieli: Secondo Tono
Giovanni Gabrieli: Terzo E Quarto Tono
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Per Sonare No. 1 La Spiritata
Giovanni Gabrieli: Ottavo Tono
Giovanni Gabrieli: Nono Tono
Giovanni Gabrieli: Decimo Tono
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Per Sonare No. 3 Intonazioni D'organo
Giovanni Gabrieli: Undicesimo Tono
Giovanni Gabrieli: Duodecimo Tono
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Per Sonare No. 4
Giovanni Gabrieli: Fantasia In The Sixth Tone
Giovanni Gabrieli: Tocata In D Minor
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Prima In G Major
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Seconda In C Major
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Terza In A Minor
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Quarta In G Minor
Giovanni Gabrieli: Canzon Quinta In G Minor
Giovanni Gabrieli: Toccata In G Major

Amazon.com

Venice was a good place to be in the 17th century if you liked to hang out in church--not that you had much choice in those days. Gabrieli's reputation rests on his "polychoral" compositions: works for several choirs, a choir being any size group of voices or instruments. For example, a sacred composition for three choirs might have two brass groups and one chorus, or two choruses and one brass ensemble. The idea was to keep things flexible to allow for changing local conditions. The result, in any case, was a magnificent "question and answer" style of writing, in which great blocks of harmony challenged each other from opposite sides of San Marco Cathedral. If this sort of thing intrigues you, then you owe it to yourself to hear this terrific collection. It's a cosmic experience. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Antiphonal Masterpiece.......2007-05-16

This recording unifies arguably the 3 best brass sections from American Brass orchestras in a performance of the antiphonal music of Giovanni Gabrieli. The Chicago, Philadelphia, and Cleveland brass sections are used here and they work together as groups as well as they ever did with their corresponding orchestras. This was recorded without conductor, rehearsal, or even a tuning note, however, this is irrelevant when looking at the result. Given performers of the caliber of Adolph "Bud" Herseth, Arnold Jacobs, and Gilbert Johnson it is little wonder that this fine quality could be achieved with minimum preparation. I have looked at a number of other examples of this music including recordings by the Empire Brass and the Canadian Brass (and friends) and neither comes close to the emotion and beauty of this performance.

The different groups played directed off the vocal and instrumental parts written by Gabrieli making any adjustment for transposition in their head on sight, thus allowing them all to be as much focused on the music as possible as they were not looking at 3rd generation arrangements which always tend to leave out markings. These possibly were the best brass performers in America at the time and their interpretations are unified through exceptional listening across the ensemble for intonation, style, and tempo. A slightly non-justifiable reason that I hold for this album's excellence is the raw energy and beauty of this unprepared collaboration. In the time of Gabrieli, rehearsals were rare, and musicians would, on a daily basis, sit down and perform music that they hadn't studied, and while these are not the original instruments for which Gabrieli wrote, the quick pacing of this production (one weekend) to me lends more on the positive side for the enjoyment of the listener.

In short, this is a remarkable collaboration of some of the best performers on fantastic Renaissance literature and worthy of owning merely for that fact, and when combined with live and engaging performances where the music is played expertly from one section to the next off of each individual, this album becomes a gem for anyone with an interest in the brass ensemble sound.

All-star brass.......2007-01-17

If you like antiphonal music or even just music, it doesn't get any better! With the best brass players in the world playing Gabrieli, you couldn't want more musically!

Instant playing.......2006-07-11

I very like the diversity of instruments used in this recording, and it is shure something special to have all the first brass of so many US orchestras together. But they play on first sight, without preparation, and this results in lack of precision, it is just not the right kind of music to do "ad-hoc". They would do very well with Jazz, but not with Gabrieli. Nevertheless the performance is by far better then the one of Empire Brass. Overall I would recommend the complete Gabrieli Works on Naxos played by London Brass. They lack diversity of instruments because they play on Trumpets and Trombones only, but there is the precision adn musicality.

A VERY special album.......2005-08-03

If you've been into brass for 40 years, you probably already know that this is a very unusual gathering of the top of the top!
My only complaint is with the web site sound samples being MONO !
This album is in STEREO and really portrays the placement of the 3 major antiphonal quintets! You won't be disapointed.

I think Gabrieli would like this album.......2005-04-28

The purists have a good point - this recording is not historically accurate. In Gabrieli's time most written music was for sacred events. I'm sure the church officials would have objected to the volume level and intensity of this recording. Composers in the Renaissance and Baroque periods were pretty much slaves to their employers. I think that if Gabrieli had present day instruments and full performance control he would have performed his works differently.
If you love quality brass music read the five star reviews and buy this album!

Average customer rating:

Great choral music CD
a voice teacher and early music fan
Lovely!!!
Beautiful, but a little cold
The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble

The Essential Tallis Scholars

Manufacturer: Gimell UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tallis Scholars sing Palestrina
Tallis: Spem in Alium
Christmas With the Tallis Scholars
Allegri: Miserere
The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis

ASIN: B00009NJ20
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Miserere
Ave Maria For Double Choir
Sicut Lilium I
Praeter Rerum Seriem
Pater Peccavi
Ego Flos Campi
Tota Pulchra Es
Descendi In Hortum Meum
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Salve Regina
Ave Regina Caelorum
Gloria

Tracks:

Media Vita
In Manus Tuas
O Nata Lux
Audivi Vocem
Exaudiat Te Dominus
Ah, Robin
Salve Regina
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

Great choral music CD.......2007-01-26

This CD is excellent - a "must have" for every collection. Beautiful voices, relaxing music.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-08

The pieces on these two discs are taken from over fifteen years of recording by the Tallis Scholars, startng with the now-famous recording of Allegri's 'Miserere' from 1980. Allegri lived well into the Baroque era, dying in 1562, Therefore, he did not write the 'Miserere' in renaissance polyphony; and his chordal structure leaned toward the Baroque.
Victoria's 8-part 'Ave Maria' and Palestrina's 'Sicut lilium' are both pieces iln a contemplative mood, the first making direct reference to the Virgin Mary, and the second indirect reference to her via the poetry of the 'Song of Songs'. The remaining selections on Disc l, maintain the consistent, intense sonority of Flemish polyphony.
Disc 2 falls into two parts. The pieces by Sheppard, Tallis,White and Cornysh come from the first half of the sixteenth century and are part of the 'English School' of writing. Here the music is made up of long lines, more notes than syllables, with the emphasis on the part-writing and not the harmonic background.
The second part of Disc 2 is Byrd's five-part Mass, which was written in the 1590's for a recusant Catholic community. Byrd's music has drawn closer to the Flemish style; that is imitative voice parts, largely syllabic in setting with the occasional examples of word-paintings, and the voice parts closer together. But the mood has a different intensity than the writing on Disc one; darker and more questioning. Never was polyphony more passionate than in Byrd's masses,of which the five-part is the crowning achievement.
The members of the Tallis Scholars vary from year to year, and the list of participating singers is included in the accompanying booklet; but it does not tell you which singers are singing each year. That bothered me somewhat because I like to know to whom I am listening specifically. It does mention, however, that the solo group in Allegi's 'Miserere' is Alison Stamp (treble), Michael Chance (countertenor) Jane Armstrong and Julian Walker.
The recording is outstanding in every way. Perfect balance between the voices, perfect emotional investment, flawless dicton and the most beautiful vocal sounds you will ever hear; just Two and One-half hours of pure pleasure!!!!!

Lovely!!!.......2006-06-02

This set of CDs is truly wonderful. I am fond of sacred choral music and purchased the CD mostly to obtain the recording of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere Mei." This song alone is worth buying the set. I heard it live by an excellent college choir in my hometown and immediately set out to find the best recording of it. Most buyers recommended this recording over the others. (By the way "Miserere Mei: by Gregorio is hard to find.) Additionally the other songs are also so relaxing, flowing, and meditative. I will be honest . . .the Tallis Scholars sing well but not as flawlessly as the Cambridge Singers. You will note that not every consanant is hit in unison, but this is not overly disturbing. (Still that is the only reason for giving four stars instead of five.) The sound is still lovely and the songs gorgeous. In Media Vita is another gorgeous song (first on second CD). If you haven't heard it, I'm sure you'll love the flowing melody!

Beautiful, but a little cold.......2006-02-06

The Tallis Scholars are the zenith of this type of singing, but sometimes they lack the vocal warmth that they probably could achieve if they were guided to do so. Still, this is a great CD, and even better for the 2 CDs of fine and uplifting singing.

The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble.......2005-09-27

For years, Tallis Scholars have been quietly revolutionizing our recovery of sacred music. This is their "greatest hits" collection and quite great indeed. The Miserere which begins the set is alone worth the price of the set. The only fault with it is that it is so startling, so obviously genuine, that you will still be hearing it as you play through the rest of the set. The Scholars' ongoing recovery project only proves how integral music is to the human psyche, how essential the sacred is to basic human sanity. And how the severence of the two in the public space and the popular imagination -- the sacred from music -- has severely damaged us all en masse.

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Agnus Dei music of Inner Harmony
Simply The Best
Wow!
Profound sublimity
Beautiful music

Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Agnus Dei II: Music to soothe the soul
O Magnum Mysterium
Choral Masterpieces
Barber's Adagio / Munch, Galway, Boston SO Strings
Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration

ASIN: B000005E4J
Release Date: 1997-02-18

Tracks:

Agnus Dei, op.11 - Barber
Cantique de Jean Racine, op.11 - Faure
Kyrie - Palestrina
Ave Verum Corpus K 618 - Mozart
Jesus bleibet meine Freude - Bach
Ave Maria, op.37 No.6 - Choir Of New College Oxford
Lux Aeterna - Choir Of New College Oxford
Totus Tuus - Choir Of New College Oxford
Hear my prayer - Mendelssohn
The Lamb - Tavener
In paradisum - Faure
Miserere mei, Deus - Choir Of New College Oxford

Amazon.com

Beyond this recording's new age packaging and title is a splendid sampling of some of the world's finest choral music, sung by one of the world's outstanding choirs. This "anthology of sacred choral music" spans 400 years and includes such masterpieces as Allegri's Miserere, Bach's "Jesu, joy of man's desiring," and Barber's exquisite Agnus Dei, which is the composer's choral setting of his famous Adagio for Strings. Along the way we also hear Mozart's sublime "Ave verum corpus," Elgar's "Lux aeterna," and the Kyrie from Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli. There has been a choir at England's New College, Oxford, since the year 1379, and this impressive line of experience shows in the intelligent, unfaltering, and finely polished performances by today's ensemble of 16 boys and 12 adults. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Agnus Dei music of Inner Harmony.......2007-05-14

Not really my thing but mother in law loved it.

Simply The Best.......2007-02-23

You'll love this music. This is music for all moments of your life

Wow!.......2006-07-08

I'm a long-time listener of all things rock-'n-roll, from Classic rock, to Alternative, and even a little Metal. I first heard this CD while having dinner at a friends house a long time ago, and I loved it. I've always been enchanted with choir music, so I bought this CD. Well, after years of listening to it to help me to unwind in the evening, I somehow misplaced it. So I came to Amazon to order both I and II. Of the two CD's, the first one is still the best, and it still helps me to relax after a long day. The choir show tremendous range in their singing, the assorted instruments are well-played, and I can almost imagine myself sitting in a centuries-old cathedral, enjoying the music and how it rings throughout the cathedral.

Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Profound sublimity.......2006-02-27

This album offers music that is profoundly moving and sumbline. It takes the listener onto an inner journal of extraordinary emotional depths and heights

Beautiful music.......2006-01-18

The first song I've heard on this CD is "Miserere Mei..." and I loved it the first minute. I've heard it from a friend who likes classical, and I would've never bought this on my own.

All other versions of these songs I've heard since don't compare to the versions on this CD. Maybe because it was my first listen, maybe they're just good.

Great Choral Classics from King's Choir of King's College, Cambridge

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Great Choral Classics from King's Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1
Allegri: Miserere; Palestrina / Willcocks, Kings College Choir
The Psalms of David - Choir of King's College, Cambridge - Sir David Willcocks, Sir Philip Ledger
Abide With Me
Evensong from King's College - Cleobury

ASIN: B000007OTQ
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

Miserere
Stabat Mater
Spem In alium
Sancte Deus
Ave verum corpus
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Gloria in excelsis deo
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Et in terra pax
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Laudamus te
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Gratias agimus tibi
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Propter magnam gloriam
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Deus
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Fili unigenite
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Domine Deus, Agnus Dei
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Qui tollis peccata mundi
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Qui sedes
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Quoniam tu solus Sanctus
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: Cum Sancto Spiritu

Tracks:

This Is The Record Of John
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Jesu, Priceless Treasure
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: So There Is Now No Condemnation
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: In Thine Arm I Rest Me
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Trio: Thus Then, The Law Of The Spirit Of Life In Christ Abiding
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: Death, I Do Not Fear Thee
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: Ye Are Not Of The Flesh
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Hence With Earthly Treasure
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Trio: If Therefore Christ Abide In You
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Fare Thee Weel That Errest
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorus: If By His Spirit
Motet: Jesu, Priceless Treasure, BWV 227: Chorale: Hence All Fears And Sadness
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Zadok The Priest
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: My Heart Is Inditing
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Kings' Daughters
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Upon They Right Hand
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Kings Shall Be Thy Nursing Fathers
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Let Justice And Judgement
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Alleluia
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: The King Shall Rejoice
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Exceeding Glad Shall He Be
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Glory And Great Worship... Thou Hast Prevented Him
The Anthems For The Coronation Of King George II And Queen Caroline, HWV 258-261: Alleluia