Renaissance Choral Music Performed Live by
Musica Spei
Cathedrals of Sound
Reflecting the range of early music performed by Music Spei during the pat 15 years, the selections on our second CD represent diverse centuries as well as far-flung geographic origins. With some works soaring like the vaulted naves of a grand renaissance church and others sharing the quiet intimacy of a medieval side chapel, the moods and styles represented here vary as do the colors of a light-infused stained glass window. The members of Musica Spei hope you find the same joy and wonder in your listening as we do in our musical journeys to these magnificent Cathedrals of Sound.
From the British Isles to the Black Sea
Musica Spei’s debut CD captures the spirit and excitement of live concert performances by one of “Rochester’s Best” (City Newspaper). This collection of nine centuries of rare and treasurable early choral music from around the world contains music of magic, mystery and wonder that is mostly unavailable on any other CD. Featured on the recording is a completely unknown Passion According to Saint John of astonishing power and expressiveness by Handl-Gallus, an eight motet cycle of breathtaking beauty by the great Josquin des Prez, an almost Romantic setting of the last words of Martin Luther by the very accomplished but now forgotten Othmayr, and thrilling but rarely heard music from the non-Western traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Republic of Georgia.