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There is some outstanding choral singing here, particularly in the six Madrigali. These are vocally challenging works demanding the kind of technical and musical supremacy in which Polyphony, now approaching their 20th year, are absolute masters. Under Stephen Layton’s sensitive and intelligent direction, they produce performances which are both fresh and immaculately detailed. […] It is clear...
In April 2002 I wrote the following about a Rubeda Canis Musica Release RCM 19705: "This disc is my choral disc of the year! I cannot see how it could be bettered, both musically, performance and recording-wise. Although it is not available as yet in the UK, I urge you to get it from the U.S. (Amazon.com can supply it by return). You will not regret the investment."
Unfortunately, that original...
This new disc from the multi-award-winning choir Polyphony is something rather special. At once genuinely original and yet reassuringly accessible, the music of Morten Lauridsen has achieved something of a cult status in his native America . Stephen Layton draws from his musicians some of the most ardently lyrical performances of recent years. Lux aeterna was greeted by The Times after its London...
It would be difficult today to be a choral singer and not be familiar with at least one or two works by American composer Morten Lauridsen, whose sumptuously mellifluous creations (I'm thinking especially of O magnum mysterium and Lux aeterna) are beloved by choirs for their eminently singable lines and vibrant harmonic structures that tend to envelop the whole ensemble in soul-satisfying...
He's the thinking choristers' John Rutter, highly regarded in the USA and noted for bringing the multi-voice polyphonic style of the great Renaissance masters into the present. More than that, he has a way of writing melodies of graceful shape and great beauty. So choirs love to sing his music, and really it needs the best among them. In Polyphony, on this disc, it gets one such, and sounds...
The choral work of Polyphony, under the direction of Stephen Layton, is solid and inspiring throughout the CD, but it is in the a capella performances where their true musicianship, impeccable intonation and sense of ensemble is most appreciated and at its best. They truly sing with one heart. The choral sound, for the most part, is warm and rich. At times however, the straight tones of the...