COMPOSERS: Sheppard/Gibbons
LABELS: Calliope Approche
WORKS: Mass ‘Cantate’; Spiritus sanctus; Anthems
PERFORMER: Clerkes of Oxenford/David Wulstan
CATALOGUE NO: CAL 6621 ADD (1977)
David Wulstan’s and the Clerkes of Oxenford’s eloquent performance of John Sheppard’s remarkable Cantate Mass justifiably remains a catalogue standard. The Clerkes’ exquisitely poised ensemble emphasises beautifully the composer’s striking exploitation of individual vocal characteristics, with finely judged balance between the ethereal, soaring sopranos and the mellower tonal values of the lower voices. Equally accomplished accounts of Sheppard’s Spiritus sanctus and an absorbing selection of anthems by Orlando Gibbons complete this splendid concert. The clear, Seventies recordings still have good presence. Nicholas Rast
Sheppard/Gibbons
David Wulstan’s and the Clerkes of Oxenford’s eloquent performance of John Sheppard’s remarkable Cantate Mass justifiably remains a catalogue standard. The Clerkes’ exquisitely poised ensemble emphasises beautifully the composer’s striking exploitation of individual vocal characteristics, with finely judged balance between the ethereal, soaring sopranos and the mellower tonal values of the lower voices. Equally accomplished accounts of Sheppard’s Spiritus sanctus and an absorbing selection of anthems by Orlando Gibbons complete this splendid concert.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:09 pm