Palestrina, Westminster Cathedral Choir, Martin Baker - Missa Dum Complerentur
STYLE: Choral RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 7950- LABEL: Hyperion CDA67353 FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Steven Whitehead
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina was a prolific composer, living from 1525 to 1594. This disc is based on the theme of Pentecost. The title track, “Dum Complerentur” from 1569, evokes the Bible story using voices to depict the rushing wind as the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Apostles with repeated “Alleluias” suggesting the Spirit “blowing where it listeth.” Palestrina must have been happy with this piece as he used it as the basis for a Mass (“Missa Dum Complerentur”) that follows in this collection. The composer seems to be trying new ideas and developing new techniques in much the way that a firework throws out sparks. The result is spectacular and sung exceedingly well by Westminster Cathedral Choir. The collection ends with six more Whitsuntide pieces that should not be considered as “filler”. All are worth hearing and, as is appropriate for the theme, all are uplifting.
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