“Early Baroque Flemish, Italian, German, and French antico polyphony in an artistic, historically informed manner… perfectly executed.”
The American Organist
This release from Gloriæ Dei Cantores features sacred music from one of the most inspired periods in the arts: the Renaissance. Each of the European schools of composition (Italian, Flemish, German, Spanish, and English) is represented by a total of twenty composers, offering a fascinating cross-section of styles and influences. Great masters such as Lassus, Byrd, and Victoria are featured, as well as lesser-known composers such as Hassler, de Wert, and Nanino. The central work of this recording is the Missa super Bella Amfitrit' altera by Lassus, generally considered one of his finest works. Other selections include Anerio's tender and stirring Requiem aeternum and William Byrd's Terra tremuit, which has been described as "one of the most dramatic texts in the whole of music."
Premiere and Only Works
| Track 5 | Requiem aeternam | Anerio |
| Track 14 | Improperium | Lassus |
| Track 16 | Eripe me | Raselius |
| Track 17 | Rorate caeli | Handl |
Critical Acclaim
- “Gloriæ Dei Cantores is the only amateur choir I know of that can beat many a professional ensemble at their own game. Here ... is a generous survey of luscious Renaissance choral music performed in a special venue: Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA -- a restored 19th century edifice that has hosted many notable historical figures, from politicians to musicians. ... I've lost count of the albums I've covered from this group -- what can I say about them without sounding like a broken record? ... Ms. Patterson is a true choral alchemist, and never fails to draw truly golden sound and beautifully nuanced singing from her hard-working musicians. Sacred illumination is their mission, and they achieve it with spiritual sincerity and power ... Recorded sound is especially ravishing, capturing Mechanics Hall's warm, yet detailed acoustic. Excellent notes and full texts.”
American Record Guide - “Is it possible for a mixed choir of 44 voices to sing late Renaissance and early Baroque Flemish, Italian, German, and French antico polyphony in an artistic, historically informed manner? Probably not very often-that is, unless the mixed choir in question is the Gloriæ Dei Cantores. For them, the answer is an emphatic affirmative. This group sings with the clarity and control of a carefully drilled chamber ensemble a fifth their size. Phrasing, intonation, articulation, blend, and color are precisely thought out and perfectly executed.”
The American Organist
- “This is quite an astonishing competitor to such celebrated ensembles as The Sixteen ... This disc will greatly enlarge most collections of Renaissance motets with rare pieces of outstanding worth, sung with skill and devotion.”
Fanfare - “Ms Patterson (sic) is meticulous in her awareness of scale, proportion, timing, tone, and texture. Ms. Patterson has used her uncanny ability to manipulate a large number of voices to create a subtle and intricate effect. There again one has come to expect this standard of performance from this outstanding ensemble. This disc is highly recommended.”
Harmonia Early Music Newsletter
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