Penitence & Lamentation
Scribe, 2023
8/10
Listen to Penitence & Lamentation
A listen that documents their 20 years together, the Byrd Ensemble and Markdavin Obenza recorded Renaissance motets that includes a world premiere recording by Nico Muhly.
Nicolas Gombert’s “Lugebat David Absalon” opens the listen with the harmonic and rich voices layered with much beauty and grace, and “Domine secumdum actum meum”, by William Bird, follows with the sopranos and baritone pipes interacting with precision and warmth.
In the middle, Thomas Tallis’ “Absterge Domine” is filled with melodic gestures that resonate a heartfelt demeanor, while “How Are The Mighty Fallen” carries a bright spirit amid the poetic singing that’s as flawless as it is stirring in the Robert Ramsey piece.
Close to the end, Muhly’s “Fallings” pays strong attention to mood via the eloquent singing and meticulous note progressions, and Robert Carver’s ““O bone Jesu” is a layered and emotive display of extraordinary singing.
A body of work that also marks the 400th anniversary of the death of the ensemble’s namesake, composer William Byrd, these 11 selections surround grief and loss in universally appealing ways
Travels well with: Eric Ferring- We Have Tomorrow; Aizuri Quartet- Earthdrawn Skies