Schutz / Magnificat - Cantiones Sacrae - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Cantiones sacrae is the long-awaited follow up to Magnificat's critically acclaimed 25th anniversary recording, Scattered Ashes. The Cantiones sacrae is an unusual work that stands quite apart from Schütz's other published sacred music in both scale and style. The collection comprises forty Latin motets for four voices, plus a figured bass for continuo accompaniment (realized on this recording by lute, violone and organ), which was added later by the composer. The perfectly crafted works are composed in a learned, contrapuntal style rich in dissonance and range of expression. Schütz cleverly mirrors the intensely intimate nature of the texts using a musical language that looks to inward expression rather than to external effect. Schütz takes every opportunity to exploit vocal timbre and technique in the service of word-painting, with the virtuosic vocal lines ranging from a conservative imitative style to the most avant-garde, chromatic style of the Italian madrigal. Magnificat's performance of the Opus 4 motets reveals Schütz to be a composer with an imagination of extraordinary variety. Album Tracks 1. O Bone, O Dulcis, O Benigne Jesu (Prima Pars), SWV 53 2. Et Ne Despicias Humiliter Te Petentem (Secunda Pars), SWV 54 3. Deus Misereatur Nostri, SWV 55 4. Quid Commisisti, O Dulcissime Puer (Prima Pars), SWV 56 5. Ego Sum Tui Plaga Doloris (Secunda Pars), SWV 57 6. Ego Enim Inique Egi (Tertia Pars), SWV 58 7. Quo, Nate Dei, Quo Tua Descendit Humilitas (Quarta Pars), SWV 59 8. Calicem Salutaris Accipiam (Quinta Et Ultima Pars), SWV 60 9. Verba Mea Auribus Percipe, Domine (Prima Pars), SWV 61 10. Quoniam Ad Te Clamabo, Domine (Secunda Pars), SWV 62 11. Ego Dormio, Et Cor Meum Vigilat (Prima Pars), SWV 63 12. Vulnerasti Cor Meum, Filia Carissima (Secunda Pars), SWV 64 13. Heu Mihi, Domine, Quia Peccavi Nimis, SWV 65 14. In Te, Domine, Sper