Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

'Supersize Polyphony' is a celebration of large-scale choral works from the 16th century, performed here by the Armonico Consort and the Choir of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, under their musical directors Christopher Monks and Geoffrey Webber. The unique programme features the epic motets by Thomas Tallis, "Spem in Alium" and Alessandro Striggio's "Ecce Beatam Lucem", alongside his rarely performed 60-part "Missa sopra Ecco Si Beato Giorno". These large-scale pieces are indeed outstanding compositions and here given an outstanding performance. Bravo! But - and didn't you just know there was going to be a quibble? But there are other recordings available and while I enjoyed this release I think, for me, there are better ones out there. Robert Hollingworth's ensemble I Fagiolini on Decca is excellent and Jeremy Summerly's Oxford Camerata give full value for Tallis on the Naxos label. So while I have nothing negative to say about this Monks and Webber collaboration on Signum it would not be my first choice. For me I do not think the programme is helped by the use of contrasting chants by Hildegard of Bingen that come across as 15 minutes of filler. I know I can press 'Skip' on my player and probably I will next time I listen. "Spem in Alium" will accompany me to my desert island if ever I get the invitation but not this version. However, I stress that this is merely a personal opinion. If the Armonico Consort / Gonville and Caius version was the only one on the market I would take it and be glad but there is some very stiff competition out there. So bravo once more for the Striggio and Tallis contributions, polite applause for Hildegard, and a vote of thanks for the performers.

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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