Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The brief review is to state that if you enjoy well sung Renaissance choral music this may well be the CD of the year (or indeed SACD if you have the hardware). The more detailed review is that Stile Antico's latest recording brings together a sophisticated, sumptuous Christmas mass by the Flemish composer Jacobus Clemens non Papa (c. 1510 - c. 1555) with traditional old-German carols and motets, some of them still sung to this day. Amongst the highlights are Johannes Eccard's infectiously joyful "Übers Gebirg Maria Geht" and Hieronymous Praetorius' double-choir "Magnificat" which incorporates the carols "In Dulci Jubilo" and "Josef Lieber, Josef Mein". The better known Praetorius, Michael - no relation to Hieronymous - contributes "Ein Kind Geborn In Bethlehem" along with his still popular "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen". This should give you a good idea of where we are both historically and geographically: the Germany and Flanders of the sixteenth century. Musically, we hear polyphony sung extremely well by the twelve member vocal ensemble Stile Antico. A quick flick through other reviews on this website will confirm that Stile Antico are very good at what they do and if a cappella polyphony is to your liking this release should be on your Christmas wish list. If this genre is new to you then this well packaged release is a very good place to start.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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