Philip Cave - Rogier: Polychoral Works (2011) [SACD]

Philippe Rogier served at the royal court in Madrid in the 16th century, and this is a second, enterprising disc from Philip Cave devoted to his excellent music. Oddly, given the many surviving works by the composer, Cave includes the Missa Domine Dominus Noster which has already been recorded in a liturgical reconstruction by Jean Tubéry (on Ricercar). But the motet Domine Dominus Noster on which the Mass may have been based was only recently discovered in Valladolid Cathedral, and is here recorded for the first time.
Following the Spanish custom these performances accompany some of these pieces with a glorious jamboree of instruments doubling and decorating the vocal lines; this creates a particularly awesome climax in Verbum caro factum est. Of the works for three choirs, the spatial effects captured in the Christmas story of the Three Wise Men (Videntes Stellam Magi) are very effective, although the theatrical tricks are somewhat overdone, such as the instrumental blasts at the mention of their gifts.
Occasionally the singing can sound slightly shrill without depth or warmth, as in the unaccompanied motet Regina Caeli, though there’s adroitness here too: the word ‘Resurrexit’ conjures from them a wonderful dancing rhythm.
classical-music.com

The grandeur doesn't pall, as Philip Cave varies the texture by employing a continuo group that includes both lute and harp...Rogier is not a top-flight composer but these lively performances are well worth hearing.
4 of 5 stars
Classic FM Magazine May 2011

Cave avoids absolute consistency of tone, colour, attack, phrasing and rhythmic profiling, and allows the music plenty of breathing space, especially at sonorous cadences or where the inner parts move with exceptional beauty or interest. He also brings to this music just enough Venetian warmth and playfulness.
International Record Review March 2011

The works on what is Magnificat's second disc of Rogier's music for Linn show how the composer's style, Flemish originally, absorbed ideas from other European choral traditions – including the antiphonal effects of Venetians such as Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli.
3 of 5 stars
The Guardian 24th February 2011


Tracks:

1. Philippe Rogier (1561-1596): Domine Dominus noster 5:57

Rogier: Missa tribus choribus Domine Dominus noster 20:07
2. Kyrie 2:01
3. Gloria 5:16
4. Credo 8:35
5. Sanctus 1:41
6. Agnus Dei 2:34

7. Rogier: Regina caeli laetare 3:17
8. Rogier: Laudate Dominum 3:47

9. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525/26-1594): Domine in virtute 6:57

Rogier: Missa: Domine in virtute tua 20:25
10. Kyrie 3:25
11. Gloria 4:36
12. Credo 8:34
13. Sanctus 2:05
14. Agnus Dei 1:45

15. Rogier: Videntes stellam magi a 12 6:36
16. Rogier: Verbum caro factum est a 12 6:51

Personnel:

Magnificat, directed by Philip Cave
Soprano: Anna Crookes, Sally Dunkley, Carys Lane, Helen Neeves
Alto: Dan Collins, David Gould, Kim Porter, Clare Wilkinson, Richard Wyn-Roberts
Tenor: William Balkwill, Simon Beston, Jeremy Budd, Kevin Kyle
Bass: Chris Adams, Ben Davies, Eamonn Dougan (solo intonations), Cheyney Kent
His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts
Cornetts & Mute Cornetts: Jeremy West, Jamie Savan
Sackbuts: Emily White, Susan Addison, Wim Becu
Harp: Joy Smith
Lute: David Miller
Dulcian: Keith McGowan
Organ: Silas Standage

Recorded at Henry Wood Hall, London UK from the 13th-15th of June 2009