Typical Tallis scholars...
Guy Cutting | 06/13/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Alonso Lobo was held in the highest regard as a composer in his time - he was considered to be one of the finest composers of his time (a sentiment shared, incidentally, by fellow composer Victoria). His output is of extremely high quality. It displays a wide range of extremely potent emotion; that range is represented on this recording. The Mass is a brilliant piece (brilliant, I mean, in color) - the sonority is bright and joyful. The Kyrie is beautiful, marked by soaring lines. The music displays the same compositional skill as music by Lobo's more well known contemporaries (Palestrina, Victoria, etc.). Versa est in luctum is one of my favorite pieces, not only for the sheer beauty of its part writing, but for the sensitive attention Lobo pays to the emotions indicated in the text (despair, compassion, penitence, and ultimately hope). It is truly a masterpiece. That's not to say that all the pieces are included are not of great value - but Versa est is particularly stunning. The title of the review "Typical Tallis Scholars" implies some merit and some faults. As my other reviews of the Tallis Scholars indicate, they are technically immaculate. They sing with perfect pitch, dynamics, etc. Unfortunately I think they often fail to become involved in the music, giving a cold, removed reading. A consistent problem I find is the harshness of the soprano part, which I think has two causes: one is Phillip's decision to transpose the music up in pitch (which he does often) - the effect is to put stress on the soprano part. But I've heard the Tallis Scholars perform live and the lack of balance didn't seem to be a problem, so I think the harshness comes from the recording itself and not their singing. But it is important to remember that the Tallis Scholars consistently are pioneers in what they record: often their discs are the first recordings of a particular piece or the work of a certain composer and almost invariably result in imitation by other groups. So despite nagging (to me at least) problems with their singing and interpretation this disc still has a great deal of value. It is the only source for a collection of Lobo's music brought together in one place. The Tallis Scholars never fail to bring professionality and musical knowledge to what they sing (althought at points they leave musicality behind) - despite my complaints, though, I admit that it is hard to go wrong with this group. This recording is definitely a good choice..."
Inventive music of the spanish renaissance
NotATameLion | Michigan | 06/02/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a recording of music by Alonso Lobo; not to be mistaken for Duarte Lobo. Alonso Lobo was the pupil of Francisco Guerrero, one of the most famous composers of the Spanish renaissance. This disc features Lobo's Missa Maria Magdalene; which was modeled after Guerrero's Motet about Mary Magdalene (also included). The motet and mass are both very compelling and beautiful. Guerrero's motet itself is enchanting in its sheer beauty. Male and female voices interplay in recounting Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet as well as the discovery of the empty tomb. The mass setting reveals both Lobo's inventiveness and the artistry of the Tallis Scholars. The Kyrie is particularly interesting. It starts out sounding as if it were sung by a self-consciously cute child that has been caught with their hand in the cookie jar and is trying to con their way out of trouble. From there, it then becomes to a more somber plea for forgiveness and mercy. The Mass is followed by several motets composed by Lobo. My personal favorite of them is Ave regina caelorum, which features some beautiful singing on the part of the sopranos. This is an exceptional recording. At 63.09 there is a lot of music here for your money. The Tallis Scholars are standard bearers when it comes to renaissance vocal music; and their reputation is reaffirmed by this recording. I recommend it to you."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
