Reviewed by Dave Massey

This recording comes from the days before the recent early music revival, being recorded in 1963 and as a result makes fewer concessions to the pieces as early works. Having said that, the greater dynamic range and interpretation produce here two beautiful settings of works by Renaissance mega-stars. The boy treble (Roy Goodman) sears effortlessly up to the high C in the Misere - made more astonishing by the fact that he holds back the volume to create a spine tingling picture of penitence -- which is what the work is about. The Palestrina masterpiece also flourishes under the baton of Sir David Willcocks who is now at the forefront of the renaissance movement. The Stabat Maler by Palestrina - like the Miserere ~ was treasured and kept a closely guarded secret by the Papal Choir until Dr Barney managed to bribe one of the singers to slip him a copy!

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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