Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Five hundred years ago James IV of Scotland married Margaret Tudor of England and to celebrate the uniting of two royal dynasties Scottish singers Capella Nova have recorded 'The Thistle & The Rose' to continue their excellent revival of renaissance music. Working from original manuscripts of 15th century composer Robert Carver, here is worship music in beautiful plainsong and polyphony. Capella Nova were formed in 1982 by Alan Tavener with his wife Rebecca and have done a great deal of work on previous Carver compositions. Here you can enjoy "Mass Deus Creator Omnium", composed in 1470, "Mass For Three Voices" composed in 1520 and "Magnificat For Four Voices" from 1490. All are beautifully performed and immediately whisk the listener back five centuries to the sound of worship in Latin. If you want to hear what Renaissance Man listened to when he worshiped, enjoy this!

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