The Clerks' Group & Edward Wickham - Johannes Tinctoris: Missa L'homme arme; Missa Sine nomine (2009)

Johannes Tinctoris (ca. 1430-1511), known primarily for his music treatises, was also a skilled composer of sacred music notable for its long, intertwining melodic lines. This first recording devoted entirely to Tinctoris presents his Mass based on the popular L'homme armé tune, along with his starkly beautiful sine nomine (no-name) Mass for three low voices, notable especially for its astonishing low bass part. The more conventionally scored (ATTB) L'homme armé Mass has many moments of wondrously beautiful melody, especially in the duet and trio sections. Edward Wickham's quick tempos don't allow all of that beauty and wonder to unfold, but Tinctoris' complex rhythms are thrillingly executed and the tuning is excellent throughout. This is a fine addition to any early music collection. -- Matthew Westphal