Magnificat’s tribute to Thomas Tallis, the Father of English Church Music, offers music from four to forty singers ranging from the transcendent simplicity of Te lucis ante terminum to the incomparable tour-deforce Spem in alium for forty voices.
The latter is a simply spectacular performance which earned a Gramophone 'Editor's Choice' plaudit:‘This is quite the best performance of Tallis's 40-part Spem in alium that I have heard’.
Originally released in 2000, ‘Tallis: Spem in alium’ has been re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalogue.
Magnificat’s clear melodic lines, rich vocal textures and sense of spaciousness all contribute to create a wellnigh perfect performance of this mesmerising Renaissance polyphony.
Magnificat is one of the world’s premier vocal ensembles whose recordings have met with huge critical acclaim: Victoria’s Officium Defunctorum was named ‘Critics’ Choice’ by Gramophone and chosen by The Rough Guide as one of its ‘100 Essential Classical CDs’.
Directed by Philip Cave, Magnificat specialises in the restoration and performance of neglected choral masterpieces of the 16th and 17th centuries.
In association with Linn Records, Magnificat has undertaken many highly successful recording projects of music from ‘The Golden Age’, including works by Gesualdo, Guerrero, des Prez, Rebelo, Victoria, Allegri, Tallis and Da Palestrina, as well as Latin sacred music by Robert Parsons, Robert White and William Byrd and two recordings to commemorate the 450th anniversary of composer Philippe Rogier.