Loquebantur - Baldwin Partbooks by Various, released 1 April 2016.
This version of Loquebantur - Baldwin Partbooks comes as a 1xCD. - MARIAN CONSORT/ROSE CONSORT OF VIOLS/RORY MCCLEERY
Recorded on 8-11 January 2015 in the Chapel of Merton College, Oxford.
"Loquebantur" is an expertly curated CD that brings together the acclaimed vocal ensemble The Marian Consort and the distinguished Rose Consort of Viols in a refined exploration of early music for voices and viols. Centered on the rich sacred and devotional repertoire of the Renaissance, the album highlights the intimate, conversational quality suggested by its title: "they were speaking." Crystal-clear ensemble singing, supple phrasing, and the warm, noble sonority of viols combine to create a sound world that is both historically rooted and emotionally direct. Listeners are invited into a contemplative, almost chamber-like atmosphere in which text, counterpoint, and tone color are given space to unfold in detail.
The Marian Consort is internationally recognized for its stylish and insightful interpretations of Renaissance and early Baroque vocal music, with a particular focus on clarity of text and purity of blend. Their work has earned them invitations to major festivals and concert series, and their recordings are frequently praised by the specialist press for their precision, expressive depth, and imaginative programming. The Rose Consort of Viols ranks among the leading viol consorts on the scene today, widely admired for their idiomatic playing, expressive warmth, and careful attention to historical performance practice. Together, these two ensembles form an ideal partnership, allowing the intricate lines of the viols to interweave seamlessly with the vocal textures.
The producer Delphian is a respected independent classical label known for its commitment to high artistic and technical standards, with a particular strength in early music, choral repertoire, and distinctive, carefully conceived projects. Delphian has built a reputation for discovering and nurturing outstanding artists, often presenting thoughtfully themed albums that combine scholarly awareness with compelling musical storytelling. On "Loquebantur," the label's trademark qualities are fully evident: a coherent artistic vision, carefully chosen repertoire, and vivid, transparent recorded sound that captures both the intimacy and the detail of the performances.
"Loquebantur" will appeal to connoisseurs of Renaissance polyphony as much as to curious newcomers seeking a meditative, beautifully crafted listening experience. The balance of voices and viols, the refinement of the interpretations, and the focused concept of the program make this CD not just a recording, but a richly immersive journey into the spiritual and emotional landscapes of early music.