Obsidian reviews
From Darkness into Light (Brumel)
David Skinner negotiates Tallis's polyphony with 'laser sharp precision'
Those of a cynical disposition might be inclined to suspect that Alamire’s tribute to Thomas Tallis runs the risk of shortchanging its listeners: the epic Gaude gloriosa Dei mater is repeated at the end of the CD – albeit sporting the respray of freshly-conceived English words by Queen Katherine Parr – and nearly 17 minutes are given over to a Litany alternating chanted declamation with simple repeating refrains. Repetition, after all, accounts for more than a third of the disc. They couldn’t be more wrong.
Alamire's tribute to Thomas Tallis with words by Katherine Parr
‘The polyphony is delineated with laser-sharp precision, and (David Skinner) can rely on the singers’ impeccable tuning to energise the most audacious harmonies.’ - Read more...
Tallis
Gaude gloriosa Dei mater; When Jesus Went: O Lord, give thy holy spirit; Hear the voice and prayer; Purge me, O Lord; A Solfinge Song; Verily, verily I say unto you; If ye love me; O Lord, in thee is all my trust; Libera (nos, salva nos); Litany; O sacrum convivium; See, Lord, and behold
Alamire; Fretwork/David Skinner
Obsidian CD 716 75:36 mins