Volume 2 of the Tallis complete works follows the successful format
of its predecessor. Here the selection features better known music and
there is greater competition on disc. The anthems in particular are
available on disc from the Tallis Scholars (Gimell CDGIM007) at full
price. This is relevant in that if one takes the trouble to use the
card in this disc to request a mailing from Signum Records, one can
purchase all this series direct from them at £7.99 per disc - a considerable
saving, particularly for performances such as these.
The high standard of singing and interpretation is continued throughout
these pieces, and together with the most informative booklet this is
a document to be treasured. The omission on the last disc of voice parts
has been rectified and again translations of all pieces are provided
in Latin, English, French and German. The anthems are possibly the most
well known, and are performed by men’s voices, with an alto taking the
upper part. These are all smoothly and tastefully sung, with the false
relations obvious without being overly pointed. In the other pieces,
boyish female voices are employed to effect.
The dates of many of the items are uncertain, particularly given the
upheaval and changing patterns of religion. From 1530-1570 dominance
moved from early protestantism to a return to Catholicism under Mary,
and then again to the protestant faith under Elizabeth. It is thus intriguing
to sample Latin texts and a Mass, interspersed with English anthems
(the latter probably dating around 1570). The Latin mass and antiphons
are probably much earlier - around 1540. The mass is preceded by a plainchant
Kyrie which in the Latin rite was sung on major feast days.
I have not heard all the Tallis Scholars disc, but comparing those pieces
which I am able, the Chapelle du Roi acquit themselves in excellent
fashion; if one takes advantage of the price reduction obtainable from
Signum Records, this becomes a real bargain.
John Portwood
Chapelle du Roi/Alistair
Dixon 