Reissues

Reviewed by Natasha Loges

Chant of the Templars

Harmonia Mundi HMO8905302 (2006) 74:23 mins An extraordinarily hypnotic account of music from 12th-century Jerusalem associated with the Templars, sung with vigour by Ensemble Organum. ★★★★

Machaut Messe de Notre Dame

Harmonia Mundi HMO 8901590 (1997) 56:40 mins This is a compelling, richly ornamented account of the earliest known polyphonic mass by a named composer; exquisite, otherworldly harmonies and eternal words, delivered with clarity, passion and immediacy by Ensemble Organum. ★★★★★

Secular vocal music from 16th-century Spain Juan del Encina, Francisco Guerrero etc

Glossa GCD C 80025 (1995) 60:19 mins

Although there’s plenty of stylistic variety in this compilation of four-part, secular vocal works from the ‘Golden Age’ of 16th-century Spain, the performance by La Combina is a little one-dimensional. ★★★

The Wagon of Life Songs by Pitfield, Scott, Kimpton, Treasure, Forshaw, Wood et al

Diversions ddv 24168 (2003) 71:33 mins

Some laboured singing by Mark Rowlinson and a slightly tinny piano sound from Peter Lawson in this attractive if musically somewhat unvaried selection of lesser-known 20th-century British songs. ★★