40

Given its slew of fresh recordings showcasing repertoire from every period of Western music, it’s hard to believe that The Sixteen is celebrating its 40th anniversary with this release. The vocal ensemble and their conductor, Harry Christophers, seem at ease no matter the composer or the complexity of the challenge. So this double album stands as much a celebration of the art of choral singing as it is of The Sixteen itself. Dive into any track—whether it be Byrd’s triumphant “Haec dies,” Morten Lauridsen’s modern masterpiece “O magnum mysterium,” Alonso Lobo’s timeless “Versa est in luctum,” or Poulenc’s heavenly “Sanctus”—and you’ll discover riches.