Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

While the sub-title on the CD cover tells us that this is "Christmas music" I very much doubt if many of you will be listening to it as part of your Christmas celebrations, unless you are fluent in Spanish or have a deep attachment to the vocal music of the Spanish "Golden Age". The featured composers take us from the 15th to the 17th centuries or, looking at it biographically, from Mateo Flecha 'El Viejo' (ca. 1481- ca. 1553) to Pedro Rimonte (1565-1627) and no, I had not heard of either of them either. Indeed, the only big name, so to speak, is that of Tomas Luis De Victoria (1548-1611) who opens proceedings with his setting of "O Magnum Mysterium" ("O Great Mystery") from 1572. Having said that Victoria is the only name on the disc that I recognised, lovers of excellence in choral singing will also know Stile Antico as one of the world's most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles and they are on top form throughout the 64 minutes of this recital. The centrepiece of the disc is the superbly rich and luminous "Missa Beata Dei Genitrix Maria" by Alonso Lobo (1555-1617). Interspersed between its movements are motets by Victoria, Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599) and Cristobal De Morales (ca. 1500-1553), "El Jubilate", an exuberant ensalada by Flecha, and classic villancicos - Spain's infectiously joyful answer to the traditional carol. Indeed, as is only right and proper, the watchword throughout is joy. My go-to classical composer for Christmas is Johann Sebastian Bach but the invention and, say it again, the joy to be heard throughout this collection makes the comparison with Bach appropriate.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.