Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Josquin Des Prez (1455-1521) was a peripatetic musician and composer who bridged the gap between Dunstable and Dufay before him and Palestrina, Victoria, and Lassus who were to follow. Des Prez was a prolific writer and so well known that less talented composers found it easier to have their works published if they claimed Josquin as the source. This well presented mid-priced digipac gives us 75 minutes of authentic Josquin, mainly his sacred works but with a couple of secular pieces for reference. The Clerks' Singers have already demonstrated their mastery of Renaissance vocal work in their earlier recordings from which this collection has been compiled. Your reviewer remembers enjoying two of the earlier releases when they came his way back when this magazine appeared on paper although they have never been first choices when I have wanted to listen to something medieval. Any serious collection of church music should contain something by Josquin and this release is probably the best such recording.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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