Fayrfax: Magnificat 'Regale'

“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

“Fayrfax's Missa Regali ex Progenie and MagnificatRegali are both early works, written before 1504, perhaps to impress his royal patron, and both, particularly the Mass, show signs that the composer had yet to settle into his stride. The longer, wordy movements of the Mass (the Gloria and Credo) seem elusive, as though he were note-spinning rather than weaving the contrapuntal texture, even if the hallmarks of greatness are all there. The Cardinall's Musick, with its by now almost instinctive understanding of his music, gives as convincing a performance as anyone.
The votive antiphon Lauda Vivi Alpha et O, with its coda in praise of Henry VIII, probably dates from the time of or shortly after his coronation in 1509. This extended homage to the Virgin is rich in textural resonances, and a double meaning of 'O rosa gratie redolentissima' ('Most sweetly scented rose') was surely intended. Here the longdrawn- out vocal lines, shifts in scoring, intellectual transitions of harmony of Fayrfax's mature style are much in evidence and the work's richness is given its full due here. There's a striking contrast between this full-blown rose of a piece and the closed, but equally perfectly formed rosebud that is the duo 'That was my woe': it was a long way from ceremonial homage to semi-private entertainment in Tudor London. It's sung perfectly by Robin Blaze and Steven Harrold.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

"Wonderful music, wonderfully performed ... sit back and let these glorious sounds fill your ears and lift your spirits" The Gramophone