The Sixteen / Harry Christophers

CORO ★★★★

Experts in ‘the sincerest form of flattery’, renaissance composers inspired by others feature in this clever celebration of ‘parody’. Works from the ‘usual suspects’ Lassus and Josquin justly impress, and Jean Guyot de Châtelet’s thrilling arrangement of Josquin, adding six extra parts to Benedicta es caelorum Regina, is a corker. The album also includes premiere recordings of two madrigals by Maddalena Casulana – only one given consort treatment, alas – and a specially commissioned sacred parody of a Lassus madrigal by Bob Chilcott. Singing of the expected efficiency, shapeliness, expression and technical refinement abounds, though one might wish for greater scoring and acoustic contrasts.

This review originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Choir & Organ magazine. Never miss an issue – subscribe today