Complete Works

Ensemble Cinquecento

Gramophone award nominees Cinquecento add another glorious recording to their Hyperion discography. This vocal sextet, comprising six professional singers from five European countries, are rapidly becoming one of the most admired early music ensembles of the time. The lithe, clear yet rich and warm tones of the six singers are the perfect instruments for the complex polyphony of the sixteenth century. Their profound collective and individual musicianship, mellifluous phrasing, perfect intonation and commitment to their chosen repertoire is clearly apparent in this gem of a disc.

In this recording the group uncover the complete surviving works of Philipp Schoendorff. Schoendorff, originally a pupil of the illustrious Philippe de Monte, was a successful choirmaster at the Prague court of the Emperor Rudolf II. Also included are a Magnificat by his teacher de Monte and the two motets on which his pupil based his masses.

No fan of Renaissance polyphony should overlook this outstanding recording.

Monte, P:
 La dolce vista della donna mia
 Magnificat quarti toni
 Usquequo, Domine, oblivisceris me?

Schoendorff:
 Magnificat sexti toni
 Missa super La dolce vista
 Missa Usquequo Domine
 Te decet hymnus
 Veni Sancte Spiritus

"The voices of Cinquecento produce balanced, tuneful, clear and stylish performances...The recording deserves credit, too, for lending substance and space to the mere six voices that produce these compelling harmonies."
BBC Music Magazine - July 2011 ****

"Cinquecento's famed flexibility, harmonic blend and impeccable balance are caught perfectly in the stillness of the monastery at Pernegg in Austria. This is a disc to savour."
Gramophone Magazine - July 2011

"[Cinquecento] gives resounding interpretations of the pieces by both composers...The ensemble's sonorous tone is based principally on a perfect balance between the voices, taut and intelligent pacing (in particular avoiding any sense of rushing in the compressed Masses) and a supremely confident shaping of musical line."
International Record Review - July 2011