The Sixteen, Harry Christophers - An Eternal Harmony (2002)

British mixed vocal ensemble specializes in a cappella sacred music from the Tudor period, but on this CD the group included a new work, "O bone Jesu," which it commissioned from Scottish composer James MacMillan. MacMillan's piece fits well into the program of early sixteenth century English and Scottish choral music; its tone matches the reverent ecstasy of the early works and some of the early composers, Robert Carver and Robert Ramsey, come astonishingly close to MacMillan in their use of dissonance. Carver's 19-part motet "O bone Jesu" is particularly affecting, both intimate and virtuosic. (And yes, brings in some ringers for this CD.) The ensemble's sound could be characterized more as sweet and warm than as simply pure, and in this austerely serene repertoire, that sweetness is attractively humanizing. Conductor and founder Harry Christophers has created a disciplined and expressive ensemble that sings with fervor and security. The recording effectively captures the ambience of the large spaces in which these works would have originally been performed.