John Dunstaple: Musician to the Plantagenets /Orlando Consort
Just how important was early-15th-century English composer John Dunstaple (also spelled Dunstable)? This recording's liner notes have a provocative answer: "He was the most influential English composer outside England before the Beatles." Well, there are no guitars or love songs here--only voices and exclusively sacred music--but it's some of the most glorious church music you'll find anywhere. Its transparent textures are laced with dazzling harmonies and lively rhythmic passages. The music responds especially well to this perfectly configured and balanced ensemble of four male voices--countertenor, two tenors, and bass, supplemented on some works by two additional tenors. They achieve a wonderfully vibrant resonance that gives the music an almost palpable presence. Included is a newly discovered canon that hasn't been heard for 500 years--a spectacular addition to this must-have early music recording.--David Vernier