William Byrd - Masses for Four and Five Voices

This recording of the four and five part masses of Byrd is to be highly recommended. Anyone familiar with performances of the Oxford Camerata will recognise their carefully phrased lines and, to me, appropriate tempi. The two masses receive very different performances; the four part is mostly more introspective than the probably later five part setting as illustrated in the excellently thoughtful four part Agnus Dei and superbly paced five part Credo. The highlight of the recording for me however was the Infelix ego which separates the two masses. Along with Byrd's setting of Ad Dominum cum tribularer, this must be one of Byrd's best, yet least performed motets. Composed for six voices and included in his second Cantiones Sacrae it is for some reason rarely performed or recorded and I can guarantee that the music and this performance will captivate any listener whether they be specialists in the period or not. The recording is not authentic in that the mass sections follow one another without any liturgical chants, organ music or bells. My one gripe with the recording is that it sounds as if it was recorded in a shoe box and I feel that the exquisite singing and musicianship deserves better a better "recording sound"

I have known this mass since 15 years old -sublime early english choral music along with Taverner, Tallis etc and who knows the recently deceased John Tavener may be up there with them in a few centuries, but I have some doughts.This recording is very good even if nothing replaces listening in a cathedral or similar.Tavener - Just bought his Christmas Proclamation including his well known "Song for Athene" - it is for for nice listening but between kitsch and serious choral stuff - like BeeGees in Kings College - Sorry in advance to those who I have may likely offended

Byrd's 4 part Mass and 5 part Mass are two of my favourite pieces of liturgical choral music. Byrd wrote them at a time when it was very risky to be a Roman Catholic, (and therefore risky to write music for the Latin Mass) and this adds to the heart-felt beauty of the music, and evident longing for the peace of God. Excellent rendition by a fine choir.

the coice of voice and the response of chorus are a pure marvells moment

A terrific recording of William Byrd's work.The smooth sound of boy choristers in the manner for which Byrd wrote is a marvellous thing to behold. Inspiring music beautifully sung.

Listening to it at the moment - it is extremely beautiful

wonderful choral work , sung so well here.

Good album...........