These are good performances in a terrific acoustic. The CD Layer is terrific but the SACD 5.0 layer is phenomenal. The disc lags a bit through the duration. The first cuts are well worth the price. Their Music for Compline disc is more captivating but may just be my personal sensibilities.
I thoroughly enjoyed Stile Antico's previous album, "Music for Compline," and was delighted when I found out about their new release, "Heavenly Harmonies." Fans of the group's previous album will not be disappointed in this one, which definitely lives up to the title of "Heavenly Harmonies."The tracks alternate between selections from Archbishop Parker's Psalter by Tallis and motets by Byrd. Tallis originally wrote the psalm-tune settings as functional church pieces, and they usually don't have much inspira..
Their first cd - Music for Compline - introduced a young Renaissance ensemble capable of creating vocal harmonies of pristine beauty while obviously relishing the musical perfection they created with a joy bordering on ecstasy: perfect for deeply religious music. Their striking ability to convey the ecstatic religious vision is what made that initial release so memorable. Their second CD release is an even deeper, more personal exploration of the fascinating leitmotif that distinguished the Music for Compli..
