Pomerium

Review: One of the world's leading a cappella vocal ensembles, Pomerium, presents brilliant performances of works by one of the most extraordinary composers of the Renaissance. American Record Guide (USA) stated that 'the performances are exemplary in their clarity, beauty of balance, stylistic sensitivity, and sincerity of feeling.'

Songlist: In hydraulis, Anthoni usque limina, Victime pascali (plainchant, Sarum rite, 13th cent.), Victime pascali , Regina celi (plainchant, Cambrai use, c. 1508), Regina celi I, A que ville, Bel acaueil, Je ne puis vivre, Missa O crux lignum triumphale, Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus

Review: This beautifully crafted CD is a joy. The group Pomerium was founded in 1972 by Alexander Blachly with the purpose of performing 'virtuoso chapel choirs of the Renaissance.' The 'Musical Book of Hours' is a concept record-an accompaniment to the medieval religious texts of the 13th to 16th centuries, and features works by Desprez, Ockeghem, and Du Fay. The fifteen-voice mixed group sings these gentle and fluid melodies with a delicacy and grace that caresses the ear, as well as the spirit. The detailed liner notes include several exquisite reproductions of the artwork from the period.

Songlist: bon jour, bon mois, bon an, in principio erat verbum, intemerata dei mater, ave maris stella, magnificat sexti toni, inviolata, integra et casta, virgo prudentissima, venit ad petrum... caput, salve regina/ (caput), veni sancte spiritus/ veni creator, en katerine solonnia, de profundis clamavi

Review: There is nothing quite like the sounds of Medieval and Renaissance music echoing through a church. This recording of Christmas music from these periods captures that feeling. Pomerium led by Alex Blachly gives engaging performances of motets with the original chants. Selections include several versions of Praetorious' 'In dulci jubilo,' Byrd's 'Puer natus est' for four voices and 'Preter rerum seriem' by Josquin. This is wonderful to listen to regardless of the season.

Songlist: In dulci jubilo (anon), In dulci jubilo a2,3,4 (Michael Praetorius), Resonet in laudibus (anon), Preter rerum seriem (anon), Preter rerum seriem a6 (Josquin Desprez), Conditor alme siderum (anon / Guillaume du Fay), Puer natus est a4 (William Byrd), O Sapientia (anon), Magnificat secundi toni a5 (William Horwood), O Sapientia a5 (Robert Ramsey), Quem vidistis pastores (anon), Quem vidistis pastores a7 (Cipriano de Rore), Alma redemptoris mater (anon / Sarum), Alma redemptoris mater a4 (Johannes Ockeghem), Reges Tharsis et insulae a4 (William Byrd)

Review: Germany's Alte Musik Aktuell called this CD 'one of the most perfect discs of Renaissance music and one of the most perfect recordings of an a cappella ensemble.' Audio Review (Italy) praised Pomerium's 'transparent vocal structure, precise intonation and excellent diction,' on this highly acclaimed recording.

Songlist: Tristis est anima mea, Io mi son giovinetta, Ohime, se tanto amate, Omnes amici mei, Voi, nemico crudele, Ahi, lass'ogn'or, Tenebrae factae sunt, Cor mio mentre vi miro, Piagn'e sospira, Si ch'io vorrei morire, Velum templi scissum est, Io tacero, Belta, poi che t'assenti, O Vos Omnes, Crudele acerba, Solo e pensoso