“Sensitively imagined and vividly realized interpretations remarkably delicate but with a kind of muscular dignity that is extremely moving”
Robert Levett
International Record Review
“The effect [in the Mass] is light, lovely, beautifully rendered by six women on the four vocal parts the most interesting chant is the sequence for St. Agnes. Altogether, this is an offbeat program of considerable interest, not exactly comparable to competitive versions of the music.”
J F Weber
Fanfare
“This recording will appeal to different people for one or more of a variety of reasons; if you sit back and listen to some beautiful singing, the {Palestrina Mass] certainly makes the recording very worthwhile. De Rore’s Magnificat too receives an attractive performance. The beautiful performances of the Holy Saturday Lamentations..life-enhancing music, designed to lift the soul. The recording is very good, with great clarity the presentation is attractive the notes are informative. This new recording is a worthy addition to Musica Secreta’s discography ane to the catalogue in general.”
Brian Wilson
Music Web
“There is surely no ensemble better equipped intellectually to unlock this cloistered performance practice that Musica Secreta. Their versions of Palestrina et al are convincing fascinating from the historical point of view, and a curiosity for the collector”
Rebecca Tavener
Choir & Organ Magazine
“[Music Secreta are an] excellent ensemble. the CD wins out through pure sound, fervour and refreshing simplicity”
Fiona Maddocks
The Observer
“Compelling album of musicirresistible, and thanks to the honest-to-goodness sound of the recording and unaffected music-making, mercifully free from artificial additives. Strongly recommended." AS *****
Classic FM Magazine
“Made quite an impact to listeners [of the BBC Radio 4 serialisation of the Sacred Hearts novel] and immensely relaxing experience from a highly professional group”
Peter Spaull
Liverpool Daily Post
“The music is interesting, beautifully sung and well recommended”
Early Music Today
Editor Choice CD - October 2009
“The ornamentationsounds both natural and beautiful an aural feast. Magical.” - Richard Lawrence
Editors comment: "A sense of scholarship as well as intense musicality runs through the whole: fascinating and lovely" - James Inverne
Gramophone magazine - October 2009