The Sixteen, Harry Christophers - Missa Mater Christi Sanctissma

Wednesday 1st December 1993
The Sixteen, Harry Christophers - Missa Mater Christi Sanctissma

STYLE: Classical
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 20591-
LABEL: Hyperion 66639
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Dave Massey

As exponents of period music, the Sixteen and their director, Harry Christophers just seem to go from strength to strength. On this recording they are joined by Fretwork for two pieces, "Quemadmodum a 6" and the "In Nomine a 4". The problem for people interpreting these works has always been whether or not they were vocal music, and Christophers appears to have leaned towards the latter. The musicianship is superb throughout, as is the music itself which has inspired well over a hundred compositions by other writers, and in the sleeve notes this is put down to the Cantus Firmus (a sort of simple melody on which the other layers of counterpoint are built) and I think I would have to agree with them. It has a memorable simplicity which inspires imitation.

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