This is not one of Dufay's major technical compositions, from the standpoint of subsequent history, but it is significant music nonetheless. This is one of the last mass cycles written in the 3-voice cantilena style, and one of the most gracefully melodic. It also presents a nice opportunity to hear one of Dufay's integrated Propers-Ordinary settings, something which did not remain in fashion long. Dufay's melodic sense is always captivating for me, and this piece is no exception. The only downside to the program would be the relative lack of density of idea.
The performance is good, with a nice combination of sonority and textural clarity, as well as good overall formal shaping. There seems to be a conscious effort to sing slowly, with mixed results sometimes. Nonetheless, the basic features of the music are brought out well and the so-so articulation of individual figures is balanced against the fullness of sound in the larger ensemble.
Todd M. McComb