The King's Singers

Singers: David Hurley (countertenor), Robin Tyson (countertenor), Paul Phoenix (tenor), Philip Lawson (baritone), Christopher Gabbitas (baritone), Stephen Connolly (bass).

Spem In Alium is surely not just the greatest of all Thomas Tallis's musical achievements, but one of the great musical compositions of all time. Written for 40 independent voices, this is a noble and monumental edifice, which in the course of its 69 longs makes creative and imaginative use of the extensive musical palette.

Using sophisticated modern multi-tracking technology (and considerable organisational skills) the King's Singers divide the prodigious 40 vocal parts between just the six of them, creating a balanced performance, with no weak voices, no wrong notes or rhythms, and with everyone singing on the beat. Technology aside, this is a truly remarkable recording that stands comfortably alongside more traditional performances.

Label:
Signum Records Year: 2006

Pubished reviews

Spem in alium: BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE

BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE  MARCH 2006  Spem in alium  Thomas Tallis's monumental motet Spem in alium has been recorded by many of the leading British vocal ensembles and it obviously proved irresistible to The King's Singers. Thank to their commitment to the recording, they have realised the impossible: performing a 40-part motet with...
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Thomas Tallis: Spem in alium: CHOIR AND ORGAN

CHOIR AND ORGAN   Thomas Tallis: Spem in alium    The sterile recording conditions of this atmospheric and dramatic piece should really have detracted from the enjoyability of the disc, despite all the blend and beauty of sound associated with the King's Singers. However, the multi-tracking of parts (the 40-parts cleverly shared between the...
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Customer Reviews