New York Polyphony - Roma Aeterna (2016) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

The widely acclaimed vocal ensemble New York Polyphony has on its previous recordings for BIS focused on Franco-Flemish polyphony (endBeginning, BIS1949), the English Renaissance (Times go by Turns, BIS2037) and Christmas (Sing thee Nowell, BIS2099). Each of these discs which have been highly praised by the critics, receiving no less than two Grammy Award nominations has also included contemporary works, resulting in striking resonances between music from across more than half a millennium. With their new album, Roma aeterna, the ensemble follow the example of so many musicians before them and go on a pilgrimage to the 'Eternal City', but this time they remain in the 16th century throughout the disc, constructing a programme centred on two of the greatest composers of the era Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Tomás Luis de Victoria. Palestrina's polyphonic art has influenced composers throughout the ages and continues to do so today, and his Missa Papae Marcelli is often regarded as the crowning glory of vocal music from the era. His slightly younger colleague Tomás Luis de Victoria was born in Spain, but went to Rome to study in 1765 and remained there for two decades. During that time he published a number of works, including Missa O quam gloriosum and the motet Gaudent in clis. The programme includes works scored for four as well as for six voices, in which the four members of New York Polyphony are variously joined by Tim Keeler (countertenor), Andrew Fuchs (tenor) and Jonathan Woody (bass-baritone).

Gorgeous performances and recordings of wonderful music. Music Web, Aug'16/// This is an excellent disc and highly recommended for anyone searching for an approach to these key works alternative to the traditional English choral sound. –Early Music Today,Dec'16

Compared to the triumphal tone that marks out many SATB performances of Papae Marcelli, New York Polyphony's approach is almost intimate, its details articulated from within. –Gramophone, Oct'16

A polished performance from New York Polyphony of music by great Renaissance masters. The solos are beautifully expressive. *** –BBC Music Magazine,Dec'16

TRACKLIST
01 - Regina caeli - Regina caeli (02:34)
02 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Kyrie eleison (03:53)
03 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Gloria in excelsis Deo (05:13)
04 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Alleluia - Pascha nostrum for Easter Day (01:57)
05 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Credo in unum Deum (07:57)
06 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Offertorium - Terra tremuit for Easter Day (01:12)
07 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Sanctus (03:48)
08 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Benedictus (03:03)
09 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Agnus Dei I (03:09)
10 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Agnus Dei II (03:17)
11 - Missa Papae Marcelli - Communio - Pascha nostrum for Easter Day (01:27)
12 - Tu es Petrus (03:10)
13 - Missa O quam gloriosum - Kyrie eleison (01:51)
14 - Missa O quam gloriosum - Gloria in excelsis Deo (03:44)
15 - Missa O quam gloriosum - Motet - Gaudent in coelis (02:14)
16 - Missa O quam gloriosum - Credo in unum Deum (05:54)
17 - Missa O quam gloriosum - Motet - Gaudent in coelis (03:28)
18 - Missa O quam gloriosum - Sanctus (02:27)
19 - Missa O quam gloriosum - Benedictus (02:00)
20 - Missa O quam gloriosum - Agnus Dei (03:31)
21 - Sicut cervus - Sitivit anima mea (06:05)