Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Allesandro Striggio (c. 1536 / 37-1592) was an Italian nobleman with a musical gift. Indeed, there is a story of how he was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Holy Roman Emperor to sweeten him up with a preview of his latest compositions. The featured composition on this award-winning, chart-topping disc is the stunning Mass in 40 parts, "Missa Ecco Si Beato Giorno" that was lost for hundreds of years until a copy turned up in a Paris library and it received its modern debut at the 2007 Proms. The story behind it is well told by Robert Hollingworth in the accompanying DVD that is worth watching before listening as it explains so much and so clearly about what Striggio was doing. If you have heard of Striggio it is probably in the context of Thomas Tallis who, having heard the 40 part Mass responded with his own "Spem In Alium". As Hollingworth helpfully explains, the two are so different it is like comparing wine and coffee. In all there are nine world-premiere recordings on this CD. In addition to the title track we get Striggio's motet on which it was based and a new edition of "Spem In Alium" with period instrument accompaniment. The line up of singers and musicians is a who's who of early music as Hollingworth has chosen to expand his core vocal ensemble of I Fagiolini with other singers rather than multi-tracking on the recording. The end result is stunning. If you have the hardware to listen to the surround sound version on the DVD disc you will be amazed and if you haven't you will be saving up to buy it once you have heard the regular CD. This is a once in a generation recording and is unreservedly recommended.

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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