Search - Christoph Strauss, Concerto Palatino :: Christoph Strauss (1575-1631) : Missa Maria Concertata / Motets

More excellent but unkown early music

scott | Calgary, Canada | 02/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The name Strauss is linked inextricably with either waltzes or tone poems/Elektra (Johann and Richard respectively). Christoph (1575-1631) is not on the radar of even the most avid early music fan -- well except for me obviously! Hopefully with my recommendation, more people will discover and appreciate this unknown master. Concerto Palatino is joined here by seven singers, all of them good, which include the excellent Rodrigo del Pozo, Harry van der Kamp, and Barbara Borden. With these performers it goes without saying that the playing and singing is of very high quality and will not disappoint anyone.

The music itself is also beyond reproach, as C. Strauss is a fine composer of the Gabrieli/Schutz school. Recorded here are 11 motets scored for between 5 and 10 parts, and the Missa Maria Concertata a 9. There is nothing particularly distinctive about Strauss' writing, but the quality is readily apparent. Anyone who likes the music of Schutz, Schein, Praetorius, Monteverdi or Cavalli will find much to enjoy on this disc."