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Under the baton of Simon Ravens, vocal group Musica Contexta and the accompanying English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble achieve a tone of profound beauty and warmth. Plainsong-influenced, sacred vocal music of the renaissance is presented with majesty.
Although it begins with the Jacques Arcadelt setting of the Pater Noster (Lord’s Prayer), it is the composer’s Missa Ave regina caelorum that is the programme’s main pivot. Other works by Arcadelt sit alongside those by de Silva and Palestrina: all complemented by insertions of gentlemen-only plainsong, which offer meditative breaks between sections of the polyphony.
Much to their credit, Musica Contexta’s voices are superbly matched. Not only this, but they sing each line dynamically and with direction: truly bringing this music to life. These are collegiate-style voices of such splendor, such class.
Edward Dean
Le Divin Arcadelt:
Candlemas in Renaissance Rome
Simon Ravens, conductor | Musica Contexta | English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble
