Reviewed by John Irvine

Imagine the fusion of medieval and early modern polyphony in four parts (meticulously following the printed page) with the free spirit of a leading jazz saxophonist. This is 'Officium', the result of the collaboration between the leading early music vocal group The Hilliard Ensemble and Jan Garbarek. Turn off the light and let your imagination roam free, as the fusion of ancient and modern provides the backdrop to your moods, the soundtrack of your dreams and visions. The experience is at its most powerful in the section from De Morales' "Officium Defunctorum" (which gives the collection its title): Parce Mihi Domine, which appears three times on the disc, twice in the fusion form and once as a choral piece alone. The rest of the pieces fail to match the power of the opening track when taken separately, but when experienced as a whole the cumulative effect is to transport you to another world. These are soundscapes for wide open landscapes, music to set the imagination free to roam where it will. Definitely late night listening material with the lights down low. Perhaps a little New Agey or ambient for some, but a very powerful fusion of jazz and vocal music. Highly recommended.

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