Search - William Byrd Choir, Turner :: Masterpieces of Portuguese Polyphony

Hidden treasure

ldk1609 | 10/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Duarte Lobo (1565-1646)was Portugal's most famous composer in his day and in my opinion is the most sophisticated of the "Iberian School" (Cardoso, Morales, Victoria etc). His polyphony is always exquisitely poised but with an originality of sonority/harmony/modulation that continually amazes on each hearing. This sole recording of the requiem in 8 (1621) is more modest in scope when compared to his later requiem a 6 (1639) [see Tallis scholars recording]. The movements are each relatively short and the counterpoint is simpler - not through lack of technique or immaturity but simply to create an atmosphere of unsullied piety and contemplation.
Out of all the renaissance requiems I think the opening of this one is the most captivating. After a simple chant in the sopranos the introit begins with a series of descending scales in the basses flowing deeper and deeper......
The usual Lobo feast of beautifully crafted suspensions/heart wrenching sonorities etc is served up in the remainder to leave you transfixed from start to finish. The motet is another masterpiece with some stunning word painting. The text being "I heard a voice from heaven say, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord". At heaven the sopranos soar solo into the stratosphere - leading to a series of suspensions on "Die" before a meditative finish.
The Magalhaes is an worthwhile piece too. Some very beautiful counterpoint and imitation employed in the Portuguese fashion but after the Lobo it's a bit of a comedown. But it's by no means a filler!
The William Byrd choir uses women for sopranos (maybe mixed with some trebles - hard to tell), so the vastness and depth of sound is there. The singing and recording are both outstanding. I'm not an expert or too interested in the word declamation but it all sounds ok to my ears. Anyway, words and concepts will be left way behind after a few of seconds of track one......."