Byrd: Christe qui Lux

“The sober packaging of this disc gives little indication of the pleasure within. Pass it over at your peril...the long lines of intertwining and unfolding polyphony, performed with warmth and purity, is the reason to buy this inspirational CD.” The Observer, 9th December 2012

“There is such precision and care paid to the progress of the music and its phrases that you can almost see Philip Cave placing each note carefully, exactly where he wants it. That's not to say Magnificat's sound is in any way bland in its meticulousness - far from it. The blend and ensemble of the voices is beyond reproach.” Gramophone Magazine, January 2013

“The subtle hues of the choir, an elite corps from Winchester Cathedrals, are particularly impressive in Byrd's Lamentation, a piece in which voicing gives the music its momentum. Yet the beauty of this choir is, ironically, its greatest weakness.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2013 ****

“This is a great start to The Cardinall's Musick's project to record Byrd's complete output. On the disc, some of the shorter motets are entrusted to The Cardinall's' habitual instrumental accomplices, the Frideswide Consort. A full list of sources is given for each piece, along with appropriate editorial commentary. Since Byrd set certain texts a number of times, such precision seems only sensible.
Much of this music is new to the CD catalogue, and even in this selection of largely unpublished motets, there are impressive finds (the nine-voice Dominequis habitabit, for instance). This repertory is the mother's-milk of English choristers, and of the younger generation of English vocal ensembles The Cardinall's Musick remains perhaps the closest to that tradition outside of actual choral establishments. So they respond to Byrd with a suavity and confidence born of longstanding acquaintance. The expansive penitential pieces, such as the early Lamentations, are far removed from the small-scale forms of the Gradualia. The Cardinall's Musick respond effectively to these different functions and moods, and the recording complements them admirably.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“This outstanding release … features absolutely ravishing performances by Stile Antico… This is an extraordinary recording: In its debut on Harmonia Mundi Stile Antico has given choral music lovers everywhere a reason to celebrate what looks like the beginning of another beautiful relationship!” Classics Today 10/10

“The singing is staggeringly beautiful, the balance meticulous.” Sunday Times

“Debut recordings rarely come as impressive as this sequence of 16th-century English music for the evening service that concluded the daily monastic round of prayer. It suggests that Stile Antico have a future as bright as their pure and crystalline soprano sound, which is heard to special advantage in the pieces by John Sheppard, the most lavishly represented composer on the disc.” The Telegraph

“The choir sing well, leaving no loose ends.This disc is well worth a bob or two to add to your collection” Classic CD

“The main work on this disc, Taverner's marvellous Glora tibi trinitas Mass composed c1526, was famous in its day as the source of the 'In Nomine' tune beloved of instrumental variations. The Mass's wide vocal range, exposed solo sections, subtle changes of time, and long phrases present challenges that are well met by these performers. Hillier keeps them on track with a lively pace (fastest of the available recordings) and is helped by some extremely pure female voices, and good tuning...” BBC Music Magazine, February 2009 ****

“Every work here is a masterpiece of its kind, and the "logic and propulsion" and rhythmic vigour… in Tavener's Mass are virtues that mark the 18 or so voices of Ars Nova throughout the recital, both severally and in concert. The acoustic of St Paul's Church, Copenhagen, is a reticent presence, in tune with the compelling sobriety of the whole enterprise.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2009

“These are enjoyable and polished performances, albeit rather reserved.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2008