"This is one of Lassus's masterpieces, written shortly before his death. A specialist in late medieval and Renaissance vocal music, Van Nevel is the ideal performer for this work and this recording is one of his best. Oddly, this 1993 disc was released at the same time as another outstanding performance, by Philippe Herreweghe's Ensemble Vocal Européen. It is hard to choose between the two recordings, which, though different in their options, are both equally compelling and rewarding. Van Nevel uses discreet instrumental accompaniments while Herreweghe's performance is strictly a capella. Herreweghe's cast has more stars, such as Maria Cristina Kiehr, Gerd Türk, and Peter Kooy, but Van Nevel's regular ensemble attains the same coherence and fervor. It is a rare luxury to have two performances of this caliber, and those who really enjoy this music will want both."