Reviewed by Simon Carpenter

One glance at the artists and I had already earmarked this recording for a square rating of 9, such is the outstanding reputation of Pro Cantioine Antiqua gained over the 25 plus years of their existence. And they did not disappoint me. Each of the 12 singers used on this recording is a specialist early music soloist in his - they are all men - own right and together they constitute a formidable outfit. On the present recording, one of a collection of three produced by Hyperion to celebrate Lisbon's role as Cultural Capital Of Europe in 1994, they perform 24 motets by the two composers listed with their usual sensitivity and accuracy. Morago, actually a Spaniard by birth, is the earlier of the two being born in about 1575 and the chosen motets of his on the disc provide many illustrations of his daring - for his era - handling of dissonance and interest in antiphonal effects. However, like the later Melgas (1638-1700) and all good Iberians of their time, it is for what has often been called the "mannerist" qualities of his settings of more emotive texts that he is known. One for that long restorative wallow in the bath that you've always promised yourself.

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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