The Hilliard Ensemble - In Paradisum - Music & Performance - CD

The music of Palestrina and Victoria continues to be upheld as some of the most beautiful music from the 17th century. Based on themes of absolution and redemption, IN PARADISUM shows the close relationship between chant and vocal polyphony in liturgical music during a time of continuous compositional flux. Mostly settings of texts from the Graduale Romanum (1627), the works in this collection are performed by the formidable Hilliard Ensemble with a delicate sense of authority and control. Combining plainchant with song, the ensemble explores the similarities of these styles on one recording. These two composers, under scrutiny by the Council of Trent, were encouraged to produce musical settings that enhanced the intelligibility of sung text. Using homophonic and syllabic word-settings, these compositions reflect the major changes in the use of Gregorian chant at the time. With many composers using freer rhythms and exploring emotionally expressive elements of music and liturgy, a trend was born. Represented here are extraordinary melismas and solemn melodies, filled with passionate undertones of longing and despair. Through these new interpretations, Palestrina and Victoria's music will remain timeless in the modern age. For the Hilliard Ensemble, it is another marvelous recording worthy of the highest praise.

International Record Review (5/00, pp.94-95) - "...As always, The Hilliard Ensemble's performances are outstanding and their choice of music sublime. Fans of long standing will find this disc provides all they would expect..."