Search - Dufay, Janequin, Hilliard Ensemble :: Sacred & Secular Music From 6 Centuries

Programs that try to cover so much territory--six centuries' worth of anything is bound to be a large amount--often lack cohesiveness, and consequently their value for most listeners is diminished. Not so with this articulate and musically informed offering from the five male voices of the Hilliard Ensemble. Beginning with an 11th-century chant and progressing through both familiar and lesser-known pieces by Machaut, Dufay, Tallis, Byrd, Penalosa, Isaac, Janequin, and others, the Hilliards lead, elucidate, and entertain, all the while seeming to enjoy the view from their latter-20th-century perch. Interpretive freedom is coupled with keen musicological understanding and the highest degree of vocal and ensemble virtuosity to make this a rarely satisfying trek through a distant yet remarkably vibrant past. --David Vernier