Amarae Morti: Lamentations And Motets By Cardoso. Gombert. Lassus. Morales. Palestrina. Phinot & Victoria

What connects a seemingly disparate selection of names from across Renaissance Europe is the spiritual progression from darkness ('in the midst of life we are in death') to light ('blessed be the name of the Lord'). And, of course, the shrewd musical judgement of Peter Phillips in its devising.

Lamentations and motets by Cardoso, Gombert, Lassus, Morales, Palestrina, Phinot & Victoria. 'Here is a delightful disc made to an interesting recipe: Lamentation texts in alternation with joyful settings of Regina caeli sung with passion and puppyish intensity by a large and charismatic chamber choir directed by the éminence grise of Ars

Perfecta, Peter Phillips. The result has the air of joyful adventure about it; proudly choral (as opposed to consort) but with absolutely captivating clarity' (Gramophone).