Robert Fayrfax - Maria plena virtute
with
Ave Dei Patris
O Maria, Deo grata
Eterne laudis lilium
“Robert Fayrfax (1464-1521) bridges the gap between the Eton Choirbook and Thomas Tallis. No one before him had achieved the kind of expressive power he managed in these four antiphons, they are trailblazing and quite exceptional. I present this showcase to deliberately bring these four votive antiphons together.” Peter Phillips
CDGIM 054
The Sunday Times Culture Magazine
"For more than 50 years, Peter Phillips's group has been making some of the most beautiful and expressive vocal sounds around. Their quality control doesn't dip in this latest foray into Renaissance sacred music, devoted to Robert Fayrfax, an early Tudor composer favoured by Henry VIII.
Fayrfax was a master of florid vocalise, though he put that gift aside in these sober meditations, dispatched throughout with the Tallis Scholars' robust clarity, purity and radiance.
Ten voices are used in various combinations, adding extra spice and variety. If the final Amen setting of Aeternae Laudis Lilium doesn't lift your heart, nothing will. And the album's engineering is impeccable, with enough breathing space between these heady pieces to stop yourself fainting from too much joy." Geoff Brown
Reproduced with permission from News Licensing
Gramophone Editor's Choice - November 2024
"The Tallis Scholars truly excel here in these major works from early 16th-century England by Robert Fayrfax, Peter Phillips drawing out the colours and textures in glorious style."
BBC Radio 3 Record Review - Listen from 54:18
"Four Fayrfax motets bringing his creative individuality into clear focus ... in this fabulous recording."
