The Earth Resounds – The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Josquin, Brumel, and Lassus were truly European composers, leaving their native cities to work in the top establishments of Aix-en-Provence, Ferrara, Rome, and Munich. Their music has a unique sonority which astounds – from the depth of expression and fascinating texts of Josquin (prepare yourself for the surreal nature of Praeter rerum seriem) to the overtly decorative mass movements of Brumel’s Missa Et ecce terraemotus; here, the twelve parts interweave in extensive imitation and thrilling tracery. The disc culminates in the extraordinary harmonic stillness of Timor et tremor and the gorgeously evocative ten-part setting of Aurora lucis rutilat, both by Lassus.
"...the show is stolen somewhat by the two selections from Josquin-contemporary Antoine Brunel’s “Earthquake Mass”, whose shimmering layers of vocalisation mimic the effect of shaking ground – perhaps one of the earliest examples of musical impressionism?! The Sixteen’s sound is, as usual, notably ethereal, enhancing the impression of these works as “sound sculptures”..." Andy Fawcett - Audiophilia.com - 18 June 2012
**** - Excellent **** - exceptional sound
"...its very clean, bright "
Guillaume Bunel - Classica magazine - May 2012
"... one cannot fail to be impressed with the phenomenal commercial sucess which has accompanied the group’s ongoing exploration of early choral repertoire. As the CD of the forthcoming 2012 Pilgrimage tour, the present recording has much to recommend it..."
D James Ross - Early Music Review - April 2012
"...It is the lassus that appears to have really captivated the choir. The disc opens with the most rousing account I have heard of his well-known ten-voice Easter motet, Aurora lucis rutilat, which almost had me out of my chair with excitement, and closes with a triumphant rendition of his superbly wrought Magnificat setting based on elements of that same motet. This is a thrilling disc."
Christopher Price - International Record Review - April 2012
