Reviewed by Dave Massey

Schutz preceded Bach by 100 years and, some think, laid the foundations of the strong Lutheran church music tradition that was to follow in Germany. The music is certainly very beautiful and accessible and the composer's gift for combining memorable melody with a feeling for the words that he was setting shines through everything -beginning with the unforgettable "Quid Commisisti". The vocal Ensemble Currende (conducted by Erik Van Nevel) are one of the best early music ensembles that I have heard for a long time. "Cantale Domino" was one of my favourite tracks with its 'peal of bells' quality and rhythmic ping pong between the vocal parts, along with "Aspice Pater" - in fact I found nothing to detract from what is a pretty corking disc and it's only caution that holds me back from yelling full house!

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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