Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Robert Parsons was born sometime around 1530 and so lived through some turbulent times as Edward VI and his advisors continued the reforms initiated by Henry VIII. One of these changes was the use of English instead of Latin for public worship and so Parsons became one of the first composers to write liturgical music in his own language. Tragically, he drowned - in what some suggest were suspicious circumstances - in 1572 when he was only in his 40s. This CD aims to provide Robert Parsons with a memorial service he never received and aid his return to a place alongside the greatest English Renaissance composers, such as his successor at the Chapel Royal, William Byrd. Movements from the 'First Great Service' for two choirs provide the core with a number of pressroom the 'Responds For The Dead' interspersed between movements. This shows that Parsons could set Latin as well as English and the whole gives a satisfying introduction to a neglected talent. The singing is excellent throughout. Voces Cantabiles was formed in 2003 by ex-choristers of Westminster Abbey, a number of whom having previously sung in the Millennium Youth Choir. This pedigree shines through and we hope to hear more in the future.

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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