Capella de Menestrers are themselves, of course, no strangers to this music; what is interesting here is their performing style, which is in many cases both far more reflective and more “orientalized” than I was expecting, though there are also some very high-octane renditions here too.  The instrumental contribution is considerable.  Much use is made of viola da gambas, ’ud and  psaltery, which combine excellently with the vocal quartet, giving them a glowing halo of  sound. 

This should not give the impression, however, that the instrumentation is too rich, or that the vocal contribution is eclipsed by it: there are stunning contributions from mezzo Pilar Esteban and countertenor Josep Hernandez in particular.  In addition, the programme is perfectly devised in its balancing of the contemplative with the rowdy, so that one has no need to shuffle the order of the tracks. IVAN MOODY

CANCIONERO DE PALACIO
JUAN DEL ENCINA
Carles Magraner
Capella de Ministrers
Pilar Esteban, Josep Hernández, Josep Benet, Pedro Castro, José Antonio López
Licanus CDM 0409
2003 - 68:43 min.