Choral at Cadogan 26-27: The Tallis Scholars – Spem in alium

The Tallis Scholars Spem in alium Programme Gombert Missa Tempore paschli Gombert Lugebat Absalom Josquin Absalon fili mi Fayrfax Maria plena virtute Tallis Spem in alium Performers The Tallis Scholars Peter Phillips conductor Spem in alium is an extraordinary listening experience, a multi-layered tapestry of individual threads that makes for a monumental immersion in sound. With its contrast between overlapping vocal lines and monumental blocks of sound, Tallis’ masterpiece is as impressive and overwhelming now as it must have been when first performed over four and a half centuries ago. The same might be said for the earlier music of Josquin des Prez, a superstar musician of the Renaissance, lauded for his daring innovation. The programme is completed by two lesser-known – but no less significant – contemporaries of Josquin from England and Flanders. This is music of immense intricacy