Palestrina: Missa Assumpta est Maria & Missa Sicut lilium

Born in 1525, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina was the first Italian to achieve recognition as a master of polyphony. This, along with his advancement of counterpoint, contributed to his legacy as the king of Renaissance-era polyphony. His influence on later composers, such as J.S. Bach, is significant. The Tallis Scholars boast an extensive discography and have been at the forefront of early vocal music since their formation in 1973. Their commitment to the music of Palestrina is steadfast, as a journey through their performance schedule and back catalogue will confirm. These two masses come from each end of Palestrina’s composing career: Sicut lilium is thought to be an early piece, while Assumpta est Maria in caelum is one of the composer’s last works. The latter is a creation of darker hues and a much more sophisticated language, wonderfully captured in this intense, perfectly calibrated performance. The clarity of the voices and precision of this recording summon up the atmosphere of ornate Roman chapels.