Search - Westminster Cathedral Choir, Master of Music Martin Baker :: Palestrina: Music for Advent and Christmas

Lacks finesse

Praedicator | Washington, DC | 10/23/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Sorry to say, the Westminster Cathedral Choir under the direction of Martin Baker gives the most hamfisted performances of Renaissance polyphony I have ever heard. I bought two CDs by this schola at the same time, and am sorely disappointed (especially since they are expensive for one-disc sets--especially when compared with other, better choirs like the Tallis Scholars). The choir is not without some native talent. But there is no hint of any kind of dynamic texture in the pieces sung, no hushes and swells. This choir lustily sings full-bore full-time. Very painful to listen to, if you are used to hearing Palestrina, Victoria, and other Renaissance greats performed with great care and without such sledgehammer-like energy. There is simply no excuse for this kind of recording. (It is worth noting that this same choir under the direction of James O'Donnell has put out some truly lovely recordings.)"

Just what I was looking for!

ivorygirl4ever | Victoria, BC Canada | 11/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I almost didn't get this CD because of the other guy's review and because Amazon didn't have tracks available to listen to. I did a bit of sleuthing, though, and listened to it somewhere else online. And this is exactly what I was looking for! A CD reminiscent of the days in university when I would sit in the back of a cathedral and listen to the choirs practice the beautiful acapella music for the Advent and Christmas season. This is relaxing, moving, invigorating all at the same time. I'm not sure why the other guy said "full-bore, full-time". It is anything BUT that, in my opinion! If you're looking for a traditional Christmas music CD, this is not it (you'll find none of the familiar carols, which I also love, but not on here). But if you're looking for a CD to transport you to the back of a cathedral at Christmas time, look no further. Light some candles and you'll be there!"