Immerse yourself in the resplendent world of Renaissance choral music with Peter Philips' "Cantiones Sacrae," a collection of sacred motets that showcase the composer's mastery and artistic depth. Released in 2010 by Chandos, this album features the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, under the expert direction of Richard Marlow, delivering a performance of exquisite sensitivity and purity.
Peter Philips, often overshadowed by his contemporary William Byrd, was one of the most published English composers of the Elizabethan-Jacobean era. His "Cantiones Sacrae" is a testament to his skill and innovation, particularly in his use of two soprano lines to create brighter, more vibrant textures. This album, recorded in the acoustically rich setting of the Chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge, captures the essence of Philips' compositions with stunning clarity and warmth.
Spanning 25 tracks, "Cantiones Sacrae" includes a variety of sacred works composed for different feast days and occasions throughout the liturgical year. From the joyous "O beatum et sacrosanctum diem" to the solemn "Ne reminiscaris, Domine," each piece is a masterclass in polyphonic writing, showcasing Philips' ability to evoke a range of emotions and spiritual reflections.
The album's duration of 77 minutes offers a comprehensive exploration of Philips' sacred choral works, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Renaissance music or a newcomer to the genre, "Cantiones Sacrae" promises a deeply moving and enriching listening experience.
2010 Chandos Records2010 Chandos Records
Tracks
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 1, O beatum et sacrosanctum diem (In Festo Nativitatis Domini)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 4, Cantabant Sancti (In Festo SS. Innocentium)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 5, Gaudeamus omnes (In Festo S. Thomæ Martyris)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 6, O nomen Jesu (In Festo Circumcisionis Domini)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 7, Modo veniet Dominator (In Festo Circumcisionis Domini)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 9, Tu es vas electionis (In Festo Conversionis S. Pauli)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 11, Hodie beata Virgo Maria (In Festo Purificationis B. Mariæ)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 16, Christus resurgens (In Festo Resurrectionis Domini)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 17, Surgens Jesus (In Festo Resurrectionis Domini)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 18, Gentes Philippus ducit (In Festo SS. Philippi et Jacobi)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 20, Ascendit Deus (In Festo Ascensionis Domini)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 24, Ave verum Corpus (In Festo Corporis Christi)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 28, Gabriel Angelus (In Festo Joannis Baptistæ)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 32, Ave gratia plena (In Festo S. Annæ)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 1: No. 33, Surge Petre ( In Festo S. Petri ad Vincula)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 38, Cam jucunditate (In Festo Nativitatis B. Mariæ)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 39, Factum est silentium (In Festo S. Michælis)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 41, Sancti mei (In Festo Omnium Sanctorum)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 42, O beatum Martinum (In Festo S. Martini)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 44, Cantantibus organis (In Festo S. Cæciliæ)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 48, Tristitia vestra (Tempore Paschali)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 50, Gaudent in cælis (In Natalis plurimorum Martyrum)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 56, Ave Regina cælorum (Antiphona B. Mariæ)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 58, Salve, Regina (Antiphona B. Mariæ)Peter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Cantiones sacrae, Vol. 2: No. 68, Ne reminiscaris, DominePeter Philips, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Richard Marlow
Peter Philips, born in 1560, was a remarkable English composer, organist, and Catholic priest whose life and work were deeply influenced by religious persecution. Exiled to Flanders in the Spanish Netherlands due to his faith, Philips became one of the most celebrated keyboard virtuosos of his era. His repertoire includes transcriptions and arrangements of Italian motets and madrigals by renowned composers such as Lassus, Palestrina, and Giulio Caccini, adapted for his instruments. Some of his keyboard compositions are preserved in the esteemed Fitzwilliam Virginal Book. Philips' sacred choral works further showcase his musical genius, making him a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in the Elizabethan musical landscape. Despite his significant contributions, Philips remains one of the few first-rate composers of his time who is largely unknown, even among specialists, adding an air of mystery to his enduring legacy.
Vinylscout
Peter Philips
