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CD Review
Giovanni Gabrieli
Symphoniæ Sacræ II, 1615
Taverner Choir
London Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble/Andrew Parrott
L'Oiseau-Lyre 4759113 50m ADD
This is another stunning disc from the early analogue days of L'Oiseau-Lyre which makes a welcome reappearance on CD. Andrew Parrot was surely on of the prime experts of Gabrieli's music in those heady times and when heard again after almost thirty years, the recording still sends chills down one's spine. What is also particularly enticing is the superb team of soloists ranging from Emma Kirkby to Rogers Covey-Crump and David Thomas.
I was particularly enthused by the opening Magnificat à 14, a sumptuous portrayal of sonic beauty and the energetic 'Jubliate deo' where one can only marvel at Gabrieli's knack of musical invention.
As already indicated, the recording is quite magical although dating from 1977 and Lindsay Kemp's authoritative essay brilliantly explains the spirit of discovery that permeates these L'Oiseau-Lyre recordings. My only gripe is the rather short timing of 50 minutes for a mid-priced CD but the sheer quality on offer surely makes up for the extra few quid.
Copyright © 2008, Gerald Fenech
