CORO

Music from the Sistine Chapel. COR 16047
Recorded in November 2006, this disc offers a fascinating collection of works written for the Papal Chapels by Anerio, Palestrina, Marenzio and Allegri. The rarely heard sacred works were researched, and are here sung by, one of the world's leading choirs, The Sixteen under Harry Christophers, the recording including many world premiere recordings. Palestrina, a former Sistine Chapel chorister, became an official Papal composer; the works by his successor to the post, Anerio, are a revelation.

'Surprises and rarities abound here, with little heard Anerio and Marenzio among others. It's great to see The Sixteen taking their large fanbase on a daring journey of discovery. They come up trumps with works, and performances, which reflect the majesty and artistic ambition of the venue from which this music was drawn.' 'Editor's Choice', Gramophone, May 2007

'Sixteen, Sistine: it's a match made in heaven, as audiences should discover next month when Harry Christophers's Choir starts touring the UK with vintage Vatican repertoire. The most exultant music here is by Palestrina; but Felice Anerio isn't far behind with his lavish Stabat Mater. Allegri, of Miserere fame, is also represented. Kentish Town, the recording site, is far from Rome, but you'd never know from the textual precision and lyric flow'. Geoff Brown, The Times