Search - Ruhland, Capella Antiqua Munchen :: Desprez

Don't Bother - There Is Better Josquin Elsewhere

M. Stoltenberg | Phoenix, AZ USA | 09/03/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, I went through several sellers before finding one through Walmart of all places. Then I am disappointed by two basic things on this recording: (1) a lack of balance and integration of the musical instruments and the choir, so that the overall effect is that of a blurry halo of sound; and (2) the choir is singing too fast and appears to be predominantly elderly sopranos and altos wobbling in an almost (how can I describe it?) - - Wednesday night church service where most of those attending and singing the hymns are 75 or older. (That's the best I could do as a description. I am a classical music enthusiast and not an expert). A couple of the motets on this recording are almost listenable when they are sung a capella and seem like the choir were actually slowing down and taking their time and I thought I could hear some tenors (and maybe even some basses) to provide some partial foundation to the bigger choir vocal picture. In short, "Bleck!"



If you are looking for some better and more enjoyable recordings of Josquin masses with instrumental accompaniment, then consider the very recommendable recording of Josquin's Missa L'Ami Baudechon performed by Capella Alamire (choir accompanied by a single sackbut) on the Dorian Label; and Josquin's Missa Hercules Dux Ferrariae performed by A Sei Voce, Labyrinthes Ensemble, and Les Saqueboutiers de Toulouse on the Astree Label.



Don't spend $26 for a used copy of this recording that sold in stores for $10.99 in some places. Heavens to Gimbals! No!"

A historical gem

brb9 | New York, NY | 02/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After reading the extremely negative review posted below, I went back and pulled out my copy to relisten. Such a negative review would be extraordinarily unusual given that both the conductor (Konrad Ruhland) and the choir (Capella Antiqua München) are renowned for their interpretations and recordings of this period music. Do the research - they are extremely professional and pioneers with early music recordings.



Of course, the proof is in the listening: I tried to hear the weak singing and mediocore performances - but I did not. It was as I had remembered - at the very least a solid performance - I would even call it an extraordinarily enlightened one.



Perhaps Mr. Stoltenberg's review below was written when the listener's stereo was not working properly; everyone is entitled to their opinion."

Ah One and Ah Two

Giordano Bruno | Wherever I am, I am. | 04/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The computer has messed up! I intend to give this ONE STAR, not five! I've long since dumped this record from my collection, but it just popped up as a recommendation from amazon. I've sung in small town church choirs with more understanding of polyphony than Herr Ruhland's gang. When you can HEAR the baton (ah One ah Two ah One ah Two) waving, you know that the independence of the voices is suppressed, and hence the expressive expansiveness is lost. Even the best choirs--The Tallis Scholars, for instance--often sound stodgy and regimented when singing Franco-Flemish polyphony. Mr. Stoltenberg's review, below, is quite accurate and gives good recommendations."