Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Although we have not yet reached midsummer I can confidently predict that this will be one of my records of the year. Stile Antico is a 12 piece vocal consort that has deservedly gained an excellent reputation over the years. This SACD celebrates their 10th anniversary with each of the current members picking a favourite piece giving us a wonderful cross section of their repertoire over the years. There are tracks from nine different albums with only three having more than one selection so unless you are already a Stile Antico completionist you will not have everything and if you are a completionist it goes without saying that you will want this one too. The notes are interesting and it has been released at half price making it a genuine bargain. As we expect from Stile Antico the material is mainly Tudor although we do reach the 20th century with John McCabe's "Woefully Arrayed". Only William Byrd and Thomas Tallis appear more than once giving us 10 different composers. Many will already have some of the material on this disc: Orlando Gibbons' "O Clap Your Hands Together" is a well-known example but Stile Antico sing so well that we are happy to hear this again. If I had to pick a favourite it would be Tallis's "Gloria" from 'Missa Puer Natus Est' but we do not have to limit ourselves to just one. All 12 pieces are to be treasured.

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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