Francisco de Peñalosa: Masses

Immerse yourself in the sacred and intricate world of Renaissance polyphony with Francisco de Peñalosa's "Masses," a captivating album that showcases the composer's mastery of the genre. Recorded in the acoustically rich Westminster Cathedral, London, in July 1992, this album presents two complete masses by Peñalosa, along with the motet "Sacris solemniis." The "Missa Ave Maria peregrina" and "Missa Nunca fue pena mayor" demonstrate Peñalosa's skill in crafting complex, yet harmonious vocal compositions that have stood the test of time.

The album features the renowned Westminster Cathedral Choir, conducted by James O'Donnell, who brings out the nuanced beauty and spiritual depth of Peñalosa's music. With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this recording offers a substantial and enriching experience for both casual listeners and aficionados of Renaissance choral music.

Produced by Mark Brown and engineered by Antony Howell, the album benefits from high-quality recording and production values, ensuring that every vocal detail and harmonic subtlety is captured with clarity and precision. This album is a testament to the enduring appeal of Francisco de Peñalosa's compositions and their relevance in the contemporary musical landscape.