Celi 2

The Binchois Consort - The Lily & The Rose: Adoration of the Virgin in sound and stone (2018) {Hyperion CDA68228}
FLAC (tracks) - 16bit/44.1kHz - Official Digital Download (hyperion-records.co.uk) -> 362 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 187 Mb
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© 2018 Hyperion Records | CDA68228
Classical / Medieval / 15th Century / Sacred / Vocal Music

In the "long" 15th century, which lasted from 1380 to 1520 and represented the transition from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance, there was increased attention paid in England to setting Marian devotional texts in increasingly complex counterpoint, and a corresponding growth in religious images carved in alabaster. This Hyperion release is part of an ongoing project to bring together the plainchants and choral works of early English composers, of whom John Dunstaple is the best known, and images of the alabaster sculptures that adorned English cathedrals and churches, adding substantially to the solemnity and mystery of Catholic worship.

This release continues this successful series. This ensemble has revived the music in one of the greatest collections of polyphonic music in Western Europe.

This two-CD selection from the fifth rediscovered Leiden Choirbook consists of around eighteen items - ranging in time from around 1480 to 1570 - including motets, settings of more substantial works such as Salve regina and Magnificat, and a splendid Mass. Composers include relatively familiar figures such as Isaac, Crecquillon, Willaert, Richafort and Clemens non Papa, and some lesser-known such as the very fine choirmaster of the Pieterskerk in Leiden, Johannes Flamingus, Nicolle des Celliers de Hesdin, Benedictus Appenzeller, and Joachimus de Monte who already made a couple of delightful contributions to Volume I in the series.

The Mussorgsky Pictures is the most unusual and most interesting reading of the set. Starting with a carefully molded legato opening trumpet tune, Celibidache puts forth an amply lyrical interpretation, one awash in warm, glowing orchestral colors that, unlike in his Scheherazade, do not get lost in the wash. Every number receives special attention to its particular nuance, Bydlo being just one example, while the finale’s grand solemnity (and massive slowness) makes for a truly moving conclusion.

This spectacular set features a quintessential selection of western sacred music that that will please one and all, from an inquisitive novice to a discerning connoisseur.
It features a vast array of critically acclaimed recordings of more than seventy cornerstone works, ranging from the earliest Christian chants to gospel songs and Gershwin's blues.