Mark Brown – Alto CD

The Gems of Palestrina Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c1525?-94)

amuletts — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:03:11 +0000

“This is one of Pro Cantione Antiqua’s most carefully researched and best-sounding performances … It is also something of a market leader among Palestrina recordings, since it almost certainly comes closer than any other to re-creating the sound of this music as the composer himself knew it.” (Gramophone) … “Pride of place to my mind goes to Pro Cantione Antiqua’s evocative performance of Missa Papae Marcelli … complemented by the famous Stabat mater ” (Penguin Guide 3*)

Missa Papae Marcelli [36:58]

1. Kyrie 5:02

2. Gloria 6:21

3. Credo 9:46

4. Sanctus 3:59

5. Benedictus 3:24

6. Agnus Dei I & II 8:23

7. Stabat Mater 11:41

8. Super Flumina Babylonis (Motet) 3:57

9. Sicut Servus (Motet) 5:45

Missa Brevis [19:40]

10. Kyrie 2:36

11. Gloria 2:54

12. Credo 5:17

13. Sanctus 1:41

14. Benedictus 2:06

15. Agnus Dei 5:04

Palestrina – Missa Aeterna Christi Munera / Stabat Mater etc

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:36 +0000

Missa Aeterna Christi Munera / Stabat Mater etc

[1] Hymn: Aeturna Christi Munera 2:31

Missa Aeturna Christi Munera [29:44]

[2] Introitus: Mihi Autem 2:31
[3] Kyrie 2:02
[4] Gloria 2:47
[5] Graduale: Constitues eos principes 5:49
[6] Credo 5:00
[7] Offertorium: Mihi autem 1:47
[8] Sanctus 1:52
[9] Benedictus 2:15
[10] Communio: Venite post me 0:56
[11] Agnus Dei 4:39
[12] Stabat Mater 9:33

Missa l’Homme Armé à 5 vocum [31:01]

[13] Kyrie 3:47
[14] Gloria 6:22
[15] Credo 8:23
[16] Sanctus & Benedictus 7:14
[17] Agnus Dei I & II 5:13
[18] Motet: Peccantem Me Quotidie 4:34

Palestrina Missa Brevis & Missa Lauda Sion, 2 Motets

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:14 +0000

“Lauda Sion is, in Pro Cantione Antiqua’s sober and elegant account, hardly less beautiful than the Brevis…slightly plangent countertenor complements the minor inflexions of this major-mode work….but there is nothing tentative in the delivery. The final Agnus is especially beautiful with its added voice in the middle. Further recordings of this work are unlikely to displace this all-male, solo-voice approach… The plainchant relevant to each Mass is beautifully rendered and unobtrusive, and the recording has a full presence whilst not too close.” (Gramophone)

Missa Brevis:

[1] Introitus: Puer natus est nobis 2:28
[2] Kyrie 2:35
[3] Gloria 2:56
[4] Graduale: Viderunt omnes 3:30
[5] Credo 5:17
[6] Offertorium: Tui sunt coeli 1:11
[7] Sanctus 1:40
[8] Benedictus 2:06
[9] Communio: Viderunt omnes 0:27
[10] Agnus Dei 5:09

Missa Lauda Sion:

[11] Introitus: Cibavit eos 2:31
[12] Kyrie 2:03
[13] Gloria 3:12
[14] Graduale: Oculi omnium 3:02
[15] Credo 5:26
[16] Offertorium: Sacerdotes Dominio 1:19
[17] Sanctus 1:52
[18] Benedictus 2:34
[19] Communio: Quotiescumque manducabitis 1:28
[20] Agnus Dei 4:57
[21] Motet: Super flumina Babylonis 4:00
[22] Motet: Sicut cervus 5:52

Monteverdi: Vespers of 1610

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:37:42 +0000

Masterpieces of Renaissance polyphony sung by one of the world’s greatest vocal ensembles

Founded in 1968, Pro Cantione Antiqua has for over four decades been one of the most popular and acclaimed early music vocal ensembles. Their recording of Monteverdi’s Vespers, first released on the Ars Musici label in the 1980s, returns to the catalogue with selections by Allegri, Schütz, and Palestrina — at an exceptional value price.

Disc 1

Grigorio Allegri: Miserere Mei 11:56

Claudio Monteverdi: Vespro Della Beata Vergine (Marienvesper)

1. Intonatio: Deus in adiutorium – Domine ad adiuvandum 0:09
2. Psalm 109 (Dixit Dominus) 8:43
3. Concerto: Nigra sum 3:46
4. Psalm 112 (Laudate pueri) 6:42
5. Concerto: Pulchra es 3:30
6. Psalm 121 (Laetatus sum) 7:53
7. Concerto: Duo Seraphim 6:04
8. Psalm 126 (Nisi Dominus) 4:50
9. Concerto: Audi coelum 8:13
10. Psalm 147 (Lauda Jerusalem) 4:49

Disc 2
Claudio Monteverdi: Vespro Della Beata Vergine (Marienvesper) [continued]

11. Sonata sopra (Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis) 7:13
12. Hymn (Ave maris stella) 8:57
13. Magnificat – Magnificat anima mea 0:58
14. Magnificat – Et exultavit 1:31
15. Magnificat – Quia respexit 1:42
16. Magnificat – Quia fecit mihi magna 1:18
17. Magnificat – Et misericordia 2:04
18. Magnificat – Fecit potentiam 1:08
19. Magnificat – Deposuit potentes de sede 2:18
20. Magnificat – Esurientes implevit bonis 1:13
21. Magnificat – Suscepit lsrael 1:19
22. Magnificat – Sicut locutus est 1:10
23. Magnificat – Gloria Patri 2:39
24. Magnificat – Sicut erat in principio 2:02
Claudio Monteverdi: Salve, O Regina 7:00
Heinrich Schütz: Fili mi Absalon 7:45
Heinrich Schütz: Heu mihi Domine 4:40
Heinrich Schütz: O Quam tu pulchra es 4:38
Giovanni da Palestrina: Stabat Mater 11:38

Purcell- in Court …and Tavern !

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:37:42 +0000

“Texts included : as they should be, of course. But some will, I fear, not approve (them). Its anthology (includes) the less polite secular music of the 17th century reminds us that the madrigal cult then was only one side of the coin…The result is usually fun, no more and no less. …It was in truth, tavern music, sometimes for strictly male company, and its robustness is highly enjoyable…. So, gentlemen, a disc for a stag night. Do enjoy it” (Gramophone). The rest, in contrast, includes dramatic and beautiful works written for Court stage and concert hall.

OEDIPUS (Incidental Music)

1. a) Hear Ye Sullen Powers Soloists: D.Thomas, K.Smith, I.Partridge
b) Music For A While Soloist: J.Griffett
c) Come Away, Do Not Stay
Soloists: D.Thomas, I Partridge, J.Lewington 9:17

ROUNDS, CATCHES & DRINKING SONGS

2. a) Christchurch Bells Trio: J.Griffett, J.Lewington, I Thompson
b) I Gave Her Cakes And Ale 2:29
3. ‘Tis Wine Was Made To Rule The Day Soloist: J.Griffett 5:13
4. a) He That Drinks Is Immortal Trio: J.Griffett, J.Lewington, I.Thompson
b) Tom The Taylor
c) Sir Walter Enjoying His Damsel 3:31

SONGS, DUETS & ARIAS

5. So! When The Glitt’ring Queen of Night Soloist: J.Griffett
(from the Yorkshire Feast Song) 4:30
6. Arise Ye Subterranean Winds Soloist: D.Thomas 3:24

SONGS, DUETS & ARIAS (cont)

7. Lost Is My Quiet For Ever Duet: I.Partridge, D.Thomas 4:13
8. When The Cock Begins To Crow Trio: K.Smith, J.Griffett, D.Thomas 2:34

ROUNDS

9. a) My Lady’s Coachman John
Trio: J.Griffett, J.Lewington, I.Thompson
b) As Roger Last Night

2:10

10. Hark, How The Wild Musicians Soloists: I.Partridge, B.Etheridge 7:15
11. Not All My Torments Soloist: P.Esswood 2:37
12. Yes, Daphne Soloist: J.Griffett (from Act V – The Fairy Queen) 3:38
13. Laudate Cecilium Soloists: D.Thomas, I.Partridge, K.Smith
(Hymn for St. Cecilia’s Day) Duet: D.James, J Lewington 11:21

Lassus: Requiem / Music for Easter Sunday

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:37:19 +0000

3 Stars! “Includ[es] the glorious Aurora lucis rutilat for two 5-part choirs, and the Magnificat, based on the motet, plus Mark Brown’s fine performance of the 4-part Requiem.”
— Penguin Guide“Extraordinary range of musical effects… from pure homophony, sometimes spiced with plangent dissonance, to counterpoint of some complexity. … The four voices blend well and produce a rich and vibrant tone. Speeds [are] well chosen, stately and consistent, a
nd this combined with small voices allows the detail of the music to be heard with admirable clarity. … Each singer, and how expert they are, [are] firmly positioned and spaced between the loudspeakers.”
— Gramophone

An acclaimed Hyperion recording of early polyphonic masterpieces returns – at an unbeatable value price!

Gregorian Feast: Chants for Festive Days

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:37:18 +0000

Gregorian Feast: Chants for Festive Days Mark Brown / Pro Cantione Antiqua Catalog Number: ALC 1117 Number of Discs: CD Released: January 2011

Traditional Glees & Madrigals

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:36:57 +0000

“No trace of exaggeration here and the sense of fun is well calculated to tickle the audience, not just the singers. Such an expert group might be tempted to play it too cool, but they are in the capable hands of Mark Brown who …makes sure that points are not missed. … Excellent results.”
— Gramophone

This new collection, compiled from outstanding recordings by Engleand’s renowned Pro Cantione Antiqua, new collection to showcase traditional Glees to the growing young market of singing and glee clubs, takes a fascinating look at the traditional glee (from which “glee clubs” get their name) and its roots in secular madrigals.

Madrigals

1: Hark All Ye Lovely Saints (Thomas Weelkes) 3:08
2: Though Amaryllis Dance (William Byrd) 2:05
3: Fyer, Fyer (Thomas Morley) 4:01
4: Sweet Suffolk Owl (Thomas Vautor) 2:08
5: April Is In My Mistress’ Face (Thomas Morley) 1:17
6: Music Divine (Thomas Tomkins) 3:58
7: Come, Gentle Swains (Michael Cavendish) 1:39
8: My Bonny Lass She Smileth (Thomas Morley) 1:57
9: Ah, Dear Heart (Orlando Gibbons) 1:44
10: Thus Sings My Dearest Jewel (Thomas Weelkes) 1:12
11: Sleep, Fleshly Birth (Robert Ramsey) 5:39
12: O That The Learned Poets (Orlando Gibbons) 2:41

Glees

13: Foresters Sound The Cheerful Horn (Henry Bishop) 1:47
14: Epitaph On A Dormouse (Benjamin Cooke) 2:36
15: Strike The Lyre (Thomas Cooke) 5:30
16: The Goslings (J: Frederick Bridge) 2:04
17: Two Snails (Bridge) 2:23
18: Come Let Us Join The Roundelay (William Beale) 1:42
19: Breathe Soft, Ye Winds (William Paxton) 1:37
20: Sweet and Low (Joseph Barnby) 2:52
21: There Is A Paradise On Earth (R. L. de Pearsall) 2:39
22: Who Will O’er The Downs So Free (de Pearsall) 1:48
23: Waters Of Elle (de Pearsall) 2:32
24: The Kiss (Barnby) 2:24
25: The Squirrel (George T. Smart) 3:49
26: As Torrents In Summer (Sir Edward Elgar) 2:00
27: The Long Day Closes (Sir Arthur Sullivan) 3:49

Tallis: Spem in Alium / Lamentations / Motets / Hymns

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:36:36 +0000

“The 40-part motet [Spem in Alium] is one of the most successful items… the same was true of all the complex five-part writing, and therefore of most of the pieces. It is indeed a mighty collection… old favorites such as the popular alternatum Compline hymn ‘Te Lucis’, and the transfiguration hymn ‘O Nata Lux’: its delightful false relations in the final cadence delectably drawn out.”
–Gramophone
“this group’s heartfelt expressiveness generally sounds well in the Latin pieces…’the Lamentations’, and items such as ‘in ieieunio’ and ‘Salvator Mundi’ from ‘Cantiones Sacrae’ vividly display their apt textural characterizations.”
–BBC Music

A superb collection of choral music from Tudor England, performed beautifully by one of the premiere ensembles of early music, including the polyphonic masterpiece “Spem in alium”, composer for no less than 40 individual voices.

Allegri: Miserere / Renaissance Polyphony and Consort Songs

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:36:36 +0000

“No need to emphasise the pathos … which blooms out unaided. Comparison with other recordings… seems quite pointless. This very handsomely occupies a niche of its own.”
— Gramophone (review of Palestrina: Stabat Mater)

Allegri’s most popular work – a world-class performance – at a super-value price