Over the years it has received several outstanding performances, notably from Alastair Dixon’s Chapelle du Roi (Signum) and Andrew Parrott with the Taverner Consort and Choir (EMI), but this marvellously full- throated and strongly projected performance can stand comparison with any.

In a similar monumental style, the 7-part Suscipe quaeso Domine from the 1575 publication Cantiones Sacrae is unusual for the strong rhetorical emphasis Tallis brings to the darkly penitential text, the word “peccavi” ( I have sinned) in particular coming in for dramatic homophonic attention.

Also darkly penitential is the relatively well-known Absterge Domine from the same publication, the writing wracked with dissonant pain. At the other end of the emotional scale, the respond Loquebantur variis linguis is pervaded by ringingly joyous Alleluias, while the clear-eyed homophony and lovely harmony of the tiny hymn O nata lux impresses by way of contrast.

Throughout the performances maintain the high level the Cardinall’s Musick have consistently displayed in their Byrd series, being beautifully tuned and balanced, in addition to having the same benefit of the wonderful acoustic of the Fitzalan Chapel at Arundel Castle. A strong 5-star recommendation.
BRIAN ROBINS

Gaude Gloriosa
THOMAS TALLIS
Andrew Carwood
The Cardinall's Musick
Hyperion CDA67548
2005 - 69:15 min.