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Discography
SHEPPARD
Gregorian Chant: Midnight Mass for Queen Mary Tudor
Herald HAVPCD195
Recorded in: Charterhouse Chapel, September 1995
John Sheppard: Missa Cantate, Verbum caro, Laudes Deo
Until the recent discovery of his will, the biographical mist hanging over John Sheppard (c.1515-59) was virtually impenetrable. We still know nothing of his early years but at least we know a good deal about his later professional life. In the late 1540s Sheppard moved to London, where his name appears in Chapel Royal lists until his death in January 1559. In this liturgical reconstruction, Musica Contexta present Sheppard’s most elaborate mass setting in the atmospheric context of the First Mass of Christmas, as it might have been celebrated in the Chapel Royal during the reign of Queen Mary.
PALESTRINA
Between 1997 and 2001 Musica Contexta recorded Palestrina’s music for Holy Week in three highly acclaimed discs for Chandos. Mostly of unrecorded music, the series was unanimously acclaimed as revelatory by critics.
‘Palestrina at his most expressive…I can recommend the whole set without reservation.’ Jeremy Summerly, Radio 3 CD Review
Palestrina: Music for Maundy Thursday
Catalogue: CHAN0617
Recorded in: All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak, London, 23 - 25 October 1997
Palestrina: Lamentations for Maundy Thursday I-III (Book III), Benedictus, Miserere mei. Chant: Guidetti, Rome, 1587
‘This is a seriously beautiful disc… these works shine with an extraordinarily moving, sombre dignity’. Classic CD – CD of the Month
‘Astonishing intensity and dark passion… a revelation’. Fiona Maddocks, The Observer
‘Extraordinary richness of expression… a wealth of humanity and an acute spiritual response’. Daily Telegraph
'…the blend of voices is excellent, pitch is suitably low and the performances are beautifully poised.' Early Music
‘A revelation… Musica Contexta respond magnificently to this music…. superbly controlled but at the same time deeply felt singing, Ivan Moody, Goldberg
Palestrina: Music for Good Friday
Catalogue: CHAN0652
Recorded in: All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak, London, 20-22 April 1999
Palestrina: Lamentations for Good Friday I-III (Book III), Vexilla Regis, Crux fidelis – Pange lingua, Improperia. Chant: Guidetti, Rome, 1587
‘When I put this on I simply didn’t want it to stop’. Andrew McGreggor, Radio 3
‘Remarkable for its beauty and devotion… beautifully performed and recorded… a deeply satisfying whole. Five stars.’ Classic CD
‘Powerfully expressive…performances marked by subtle dynamic shading, great sensitivity of phrasing and near-faultless ensemble…how could anyone call this music austere?’ International Record Review
‘The all-adult male choir is perfectly suited to this music of desolation… not quite the unemotional Palestrina you thought you knew’. Daily Telegraph
Palestrina: Music for Holy Saturday
Catalogue: CHAN0679
Recorded in: All Hallows Church, Gospel Oak, London, 18-20 April 2001
Palestrina: Lamentations for Holy Saturday I-III (Book III), Stabat mater, Benedictus for Holy Week, Sicut cervus
Chant: Guidetti, Rome, 1587
‘Superbly performed and vividly recorded… Palestrina’s polyphony here has a biting edge, beautifully achieved in this performance’. Penguin Guide
‘Outstanding…a wonderful recording’.Gramophone (Editor’s Choice April 2002, Critics’ Choice 2002, Early Music Award 2002 Shortlist)
‘Beautifully composed singing…Musica Contexta delivers the direct and intense music with a potent emotional charge’. ***** BBC Music Magazine
‘The finest recording to date of the famous Stabat Mater.’ International Record Review
‘A masterful performance.’ Early Music Review
‘These powerful performances bring out the music’s latent intensity’. Daily Telegraph
''The technical standard could hardly be better... these are exceptionally fine perfomances.'' American Record Guide |
