The a cappella motets of Anton Bruckner (1824- 1896) are miniature masterpieces, containing intensely expressive harmonic writing and a feeling of private devotion within a generously scaled framework. Here the selection includes Ave Maria, Locus iste, Christus factus est, Vexilla Regis, Os iusti, Virga Jesse floruit and Pange lingua. At the other end of the spectrum, the sensuous Mass No. 2 in E minor inhabits the world of Bruckner's monumental symphonies. Stephen Layton leads the GRAMMY-nominated choir Polyphony (and the Britten Sinfonia, in the Mass) in these gloriously passionate performances.