superflumina

Francisco Guerrero
Missa Super Flumina Babylonis — 2007

Ensemble Plus Ultra, His MajestyÕs Sagbutts and Cornetts and the Spanish Gregorian specialists of Schola Antiqua present newly-discovered works by Francisco Guerrero (1528-99). These are performed with rarely-heard polychoral masterpieces played and sung, as they were in 16th century Seville, by three distinct groups of musicians: polyphonists, chanters and a Renaissance wind band. Our historical instruments, superb polyphonic voices, and the white-robed singers of Schola Antiqua, warmly invite you into the lost world of Seville Cathedral in its Golden Age.
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Reviews

‘Exultant and visionary…’
The Times (London)

‘A very impressive compilation’
The Guardian

‘Conductor Michael Noone has produced a recording of impeccable taste and scholarship…The blend between voices and instruments is exceptionally rich.’
The Independent on Sunday

‘…the ‘lost’ motets are welcome interpolations into the superbly sung account of the mass by the British and Spanish singers of Ensemble Plus Ultra  and Schola Antiqua, with guest appearances, in two instrumental numbers, by His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts. A gorgeous disc.’
The Sunday Times

‘…[a] beautifully sung programme of sacred music.’
The Daily Telegraph

‘Noone’s Ensemble Plus Ultra  consists of British specialist Early Music singers, whose sonorous, soaring voices give us Renaissance polyphony as thrilling as it is refined. This project is a triumph of loving scholarship and considerable musicianship.’
International Record Review

‘The choir has a warm, strong sound … splendid soprano singing… In sum, an enjoyable glimpse at some glittering treasures of the Golden Age of Spanish music.’
BBC Music Magazine January 2008

‘Plus Ultra are nowhere more confident than in the opening motets … here they match the music’s intensity with each line clearly delineated.’
Gramophone February 2008

“Britain does not lack for expert early-music choral groups, but Michael Noone’s Ensemble Plus Ultra  has distinguished itself not only through its impeccable performances, but also by playing out Noone’s pursuit of unknown music from Renaissance Spain.”
Named among WGBH’s Top Ten CDs of 2007