This second program devoted to Frye's masses presents a complement to that by the Clerks' Group, as well as to the secular program including motets already produced by the present ensemble.
Frye wrote three attributed masses, and two of them are among the best of the era. In this program, the Ferrara Ensemble elected to present only the Agnus Dei of the Missa Flos regalis in four parts, meaning that the present disc does not suffice as a single Frye entry. The three-voice Missa Summe trinitati is also of very high quality, and of rather different style - both more severe & more intricate.
The performance here is excellent, showing excellent clarity & melodic command. This is clearly the best of the Frye interpretations, but I tend to favor the richness & crossing voices of the Missa Flos regalis.
Instrumental tracks are basically interludes, and not nearly as compelling as some of this ensemble's other work. The conjecturally attributed mass has some definite merit, but would not support a listing by itself.
Todd M. McComb