Composer: John Sheppard
Performer: Alamire
Conductor: David Skinner
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Inventa Records
Catalogue: INV1003
Release: 2020
Size: 304 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Media vita in morte sumus
01. I. Media vita (Incipit) – Nunc dimittis
02. II. Media vita in morte sumus (Antiphona)
03. III. Ne projicias nos (Versus I) – Sancte Deus
04. IV. Noli claudere (Versus II) – Sancte fortis
05. V. Qui cognoscis (Versus III) – Sancte et misericors
Alamire perform Media vita at a pitch where their tenors shine particularly brightly. In their hands this polyphony has a lower centre of gravity than the famous recording by The Tallis Scholars (Gimell, 1/90), yet it retains a similar sheen. I particularly admire the pace of the opening, which finds an atmosphere of wonder as the richness of Sheppard’s polyphony is unveiled…this new release from Alamire is magnificent and unmissably poignant in these times of pandemic.
After meticulous research and consultation, Skinner suggests how this six-part masterpiece, sometimes considered lopsided in structure, might have been performed originally (explained in depth in the album booklet). The liturgical minutiae may well escape the listener. Yet the performance, dark-hued and beautifully balanced, compels and convinces.