Musica Contexta was formed by Simon Ravens (a former assistant to Andrew Parrott) specifically to present Renaissance music in context--that is, in the sort of musical setting (e.g., a liturgy) for which it was conceived. Their auspicious debut record for Chandos re-creates a portion of the Sistine Chapel's legendary Tenebræ services for Holy Week. They follow each lesson (taken from the Lamentations of Jeremiah) with a plainchant responsory and frame each Psalm with its plainchant antiphon. (This practice really does give Palestrina's polyphony some breathing space, keeping it from becoming monotonous.) They add ornaments in the Benedictus and Miserere, as was standard at that time and place. Most importantly, they give Palestrina's sweet, sad, soulful lamentations the performance they deserve. --Matthew Westphal |
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8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
It's about timeJun 13, 2000
I've done a lot of looking for recordings of these pieces in the past (without any success until these were issued) and I am happy beyond description to find them. These Lamentations are very important works and have not recieved nearly as much attention as settings by other composers (Tallis and Victoria, just to name two). They really are ravishing to listen to for a number of reasons. On an aesthetic level they are most pleasing: scored for six voices they offer a lavish, dense sound which cannot be surpassed. On an emotional and spiritual level they are stunning. They reflect the intense emotion which is such an integral part of Holy Week. Palestrina is often thought of as simply a craftsman: that is, his music is viewed as technically perfect but lacking intensity of expression. That view was adopted by a number of people in the 19th century and reflects a Romantic approach to music which is on a totally different level. Palestrina is amazingly intense, but his emotion is not superfluous - it is subtle, carefully controlled, and lacking any superficiality. The program that is put together on this disc is an interesting one - the name of the group indicates their purpose which is to perform music in context. The plainchant responsories are appropriate and provide wonderful contrast (although the Amazon.com reviewer says that they provide relief from the monotony of the polyphony, it is, for me at least, actually the other way around - the chant, sung without a lot of expressiveness leaves something to be desired. Don't get me wrong, the chant itself is certainly not tedious, but Musica Contexta's singing of it can be). Also included are a benedictus for Holy Week and a setting of Miserere mei, Deus, a penitential psalm.The singing of Musica Contexta is highly skilled. I really think that hearing this music sung by male choirs is the only real way to hear it. They impart to the music a mood which cannot be matched. Both in color and sheer density of sound Musica Contexta is excellent. Their falsettists are controlled, never shrill. The parts are well balanced. Dynamics are sensitively approached. Tempo is careful (as it should be). Pitch is excellent and tone is pure. As I said the singing of the chant lacks something in conviction, seemingly, but that complaint does not detract from the merits of this splendid recording. Highly recommended...
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
This is how Lamentations should be sung - wow!Mar 17, 2000
I don't actually own this work, but I was fortunate enough to just hear a BBC broadcast of the contents of this CD as sung by Musica Contexta in St. Patrick's Church, London. I happened to be sitting at work, and for the hour of the broadcast, the world stood still as I sat there, transfixed and reverent. If the CD is half as good as the performance, and it is bound to be even better, since I heard this work in radio quality, I must call this the definitive recording of the Lamentations of Jeremiah. Musica Contexta does a brilliant job of presenting this moving piece, with the plainchant responsories making the polyphony parts even more beautiful than ordinarily. I could go on and on (the music is still ringing in my ear and fresh in my memory), but let me stop with the humble suggestion of purchasing this work immediately if you are at all inclined; I will!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
ExcellentSep 14, 1999
This is probably the best recording of Palestrina's Lamentations for Maundy Thursday that there is. They have kept to the "original" manuscript" closer than any other.
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based on 3 reviews
