Search - Orlandus Lassus, Pro Cantione Antiqua :: Lamentations of Jeremiah / Requiem

Turn your lounge into a Renaissance cathedral

Steven Guy | Croydon, South Australia | 02/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a very big fan of the music of Orlando di Lasso (or Roland de Lassus or whatever you feel like calling him this week). He was one of the greatest composers in human history. Yet he isn't half as well known as his peer, Palestrina. Perhaps this is because Palestrina's music, which was composed on strict academic lines, has been used as teaching material for several hundred years? Lassus was eclectic and used a range of styles and forms in his music, which wasn't always academic in its approach, but always very expressive and intellectual. Lassus composed everything from dirty ditties to the deepest and most expressive sacred music - sometimes he even did both at once! [see the Missa entre vous files]



I have listened to this double CD much over the last ten years and it still moves me in many ways. I listen to it when I am happy and I listen when I am sad. What I like the most about this recording is that it doesn't treat the listener like he or she is an ignoramus or a philistine - it never patronises the listener or compromises anything to make itself more appealing to "the masses".

Each disc contains over 70 minutes worth of music. The Pro Cantione Antiqua sing this music with great style and beauty, yet they bring out the depth of expression in this music with great taste and intelligence. The ensemble uses male voices from soprano to bass most of the time and as a result the sound is very unified. The three countertenors on the top lines are particularly good.



This isn't easy music to get to know and it is not a disc for casual listening. Yes, it is quite demanding, highly articulate and intellectually rigorous music, so be warned! However, if you want some music which, potentially, can become part of your life and your mind, for the rest of your life, then this is a disc for you.



If you're looking for some "classy relaxation music" for your time in the hot tub, then look elsewhere.



"

Sadness and Beauty

Giordano Bruno | Wherever I am, I am. | 02/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again my eloquent Australian friend Stephen Guy has said most of what I would say about this recording. So I'll offer a musical companionship. If you love Renaissance vocal music, you may well find some of the same glories in very modern music. A recording you shouldn't miss is LAMENTATE by the Estonian composer Arvo Part, sung by the Hilliard Ensemble. You might also try out LAMENT by Giya Kancheli. And if you like to read before/after listening, Yasunari Kawabata's BEAUTY AND SADNESS should certainly prove worthy."