Reviews
Matthew Martin: Masses, Canticles, Motets
“The choir of Gonville & Caius, Cambridge, where Martin is director, provides a reassuringly traditional, transparent and disciplined choral blend, underpinned by exemplary organ playing – a perfect vehicle for this enjoyable and varied retrospective of a master craftsman’s work.”
Performance: ★★★★★(5/5) Recording: ★★★★★(5/5) BBC Music Magazine
Read the review in full here.
“The showcase demonstrates the artistic packaging of these attractive pieces, with substantial contrapuntal passages, colourful brushstrokes of polytonality and a great harmonic solidity. Five first recordings are also included, adding interest to this exemplary project, which is also sustained by the remarkable performance of the choir.” Scherzo
“I enjoyed all the music on this CD. It’s very impressively performed by the Choir of Gonville & Caius College and the three organists who are involved all make significant contributions. The contents of this disc show why Matthew Martin has achieved such a strong reputation in the field of English church music.” John Quinn, Music Web International
“ The performances are first-rate; one especially notes that the choir’s diction remains intelligible even in a somewhat reverberant acoustic with accompanying instruments. Collectors of sacred music from this period will definitely want this disc; cordially recommended.” Fanfare
“It is an all-round first-class presentation. The Choir of Gonville and Caius College brilliantly reveals how Philips and Dering integrated these new musical influences into the English polyphonic spirit of the Tudor and Stuart era. Matthew Martin’s attention to detail brings out all the nuances in meticulous rhythmical phrasing from his ensemble. The performances are crisp and well-balanced. Organists’ Review
“Under the marvelously well-judged direction of Matthew Martin…everything seems so fresh and vital” Gramophone
“Appropriate, is the substantial choir size of 24, eschewing fashionable one-voice-per-part trends and fitting the imposing nature of the music. There are also instrumental pieces that receive sharp performances from In Echo. This is a major Renaissance release that may rewrite the general repertory”. All Music
“The instrumental accompaniment of, among others, cornets and Baroque trombones enhances the grandeur of the beautifully sung motets. This is a release that you can keep enjoying!” Hageland Klassiek