Pierre de Manchicourt
Regina caeli. Peccantem me quotidie. Missa Cuidez vous que Dieu nous faille. Osculetur me. Ne reminiscaris Domine. Magnificat secundi toni
Cuidez vous que Dieu nous faille (Jean Richafort)

Brabant Ensemble/ Stephen Rice

Hyperion: CDA67604 (67 mins; recorded September 2005)

Sampling a delectable April release batch from Hyperion, I am well persuaded that the name of this Rennaissance composer (c.1510-1564), who has "lain undiscovered for so long" is a surprising omission from "the canon of great names" (Stephen Rice). He displays huge ingenuity, with canons that vary time differences and "playful syncopated rhythms".

The documentation and notes are comprehensive and make for good reading: e.g. - - the final section of his Credo setting builds to a spine-tingling climax at 'Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum' - - a sudden harmonic motion onto a chord of F major further suggesting the wrenching significance of these words - - the 'Hosanna' is a whirling kaleidoscope of cross-rhythms, with prominent use of hemiola technique - - etc.

Recorded at Merton College, Oxford by eager, fresh young voices, singing full throatedly with a forward impetus, it has made for delightful listening. Recommended strongly.

Peter Grahame Woolf