This program centers on one of Dufay's major masses, a very enjoyable piece, and one of the summits of the mid-15th century repertory.
The performance is very fine, set apart by scrupulous articulation and phrasing, such that one can follow the internal tension in each melodic line as well as the evolution of the polyphony as a whole. There is also exquisite tonal balance and control of intonation & "vertical space."
The approach is somewhat less communicative than it might be, but does retain a wonderful clarity. Of course, the combination of one of Dufay's exquisite masses with the harmonized chant propers is an excellent repertory combination.
This disc was named my EM Record of the Year for 1994.
Todd M. McComb Updated: 13 December 2001