Missa Aeterna Christi Munera / Motets
If you're looking for one disc that most generously opens the door to Palestrina's art, this one from the Choir of Westminster Cathedral would be an excellent choice. Here are top-notch performances of several of his finest motets, among them "Sicut Cervus," "Super Flumina Babylonis," and, from the collectionCanticum Canticorum(Song of Songs), "Quae Es Ista" and "Duo Ubera Tua." The mass Aeterna Christi Munera is an outstanding example of Palestrina's ability to create a work of sublime beauty with astonishing economy of materials. The pure, warmly resonant treble voices of the Westminster choir suit Palestrina's gently flowing lines especially well, preserving a perfect ensemble balance even in the brilliant upper-register passages.--David Vernier