Catalogue

Summary:

Classical vocal quartet New York Polyphony struck a chord with their 2007 Avie debut, I Sing the Birth (AV 2141). An intimate meditation on the Christmas season, it garnered unanimous praise on both sides of the pond. For their second release, the all-male foursome delivers their signature fusion of historically informed performances in a range of styles. Interspersed between sacred masterpieces of Tudor England are four new works by British-Norwegian composer Andrew Smith, adding a modern harmonic richness and complexity to the album. The result is a compelling synthesis of ancient and contemporary vocal music.

Tracklist:

1. William BYRD (1540 – 1623)
Ave verum corpus (4:17)

2. William CORNYSH (d. 1523)
Gaude Virgo Mater Christi (5:07)

3. Andrew SMITH (b. 1970)
Flos regalis (2:05)

4.ANON (c. 14th century)
Flos regalis, from the Worchester Fragments (4:08)

Thomas TALLIS (c. 1505 – 1585)
5. O come in one to praise the Lord (1:01)
6. Expend, O Lord (1:07)

7. SMITH
Surrexit Christus (3:24)

8.Walter LAMBE (b. 1450/51 – 1499)
Stella caeli (6:49)

9. John DUNSTABLE (c. 1390 – 1453)
Speciosa facta es ab (1:57)

TALLIS
10. Audivi vocem (4:13)
11. Why fum’th in fight (1:16)
12. Smith To mock your reign (4:50)

TALLIS
13. Man blest no doubt (1:13)
14. God grant with grace (1:19)

15. John TAVERNER (c. 1495 – 1560?)
Magnificat a 4 (10:53)

16. SMITH
Magnificat a 4 (3:19)

17. Christopher TYE (c. 1505 – 1572)
In pace (5:51)

Recorded at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York, NY, June 2009
Producer: Malcolm Bruno
Engineer: John C. Baker
Editing and post production: Adrian Hunter