This release is the fourth in a series by the
Choir of Girton College, Cambridge
, devoted to the Italian (Cremonese) composer
Marc'Antonio Ingegneri
. It is devoted to Easter pieces, which surely helped place it on classical best-seller lists during that season in 2024, but it may also be that word about the quality of
Ingegneri
's music is getting out.
was the teacher of
Monteverdi
and slightly younger than
Palestrina
. The resemblance to
is easy to hear; if anything,
's textures are even more transparent and limpid. The highlight on this installment is the
Missa gustate et videte
, based on a motet by
Orlande de Lassus
that is also included. This is an example of the so-called parody (or imitation) mass technique, where the parts of a polyphonic model are absorbed into the new work, and it is an exceptionally subtle example. The program then proceeds into short motets, again in the
style but of great simple beauty. Choir leader
Jeremy West
changes up the texture with accompaniment from the brass group
The Western Wyndes
(one of several brass ensembles to have appeared in this series) and with organ versions of
madrigals. The choir, with 33 (mixed-gender, adult) members, is ideal, and the booklet includes substantial essays addressing
's music from various perspectives. The album and its companions in the series offer an excellent introduction to a neglected Renaissance composer. ~ James Manheim