Tallis Scholars or The Sixteen?

[Mark]

Been meaning for some time to canvass members' opinions on these two fine vocal ensembles (not least, because it gives me a rare chance to post in the Opera & Vocal section of GMG ).

I've experienced the Tallis Scholars live at Guildford Cathedral, and I've heard both outfits on CD. Based on fairly limited exposure to each, I'm nonetheless very much swung towards preferring the sound of The Sixteen. This is largely because I find the upper register voices of the Tallis Scholars don't seem to gel together quite as smoothly, making for somewhat jarring listening.

What's your view, and/or preference?

[Josquin des Prez]

Neither. 

[Mark]

Neither. 

Well, I guess that option counts, too. But if you had to choose - say, if you had to attend a concert given by one or the other group?

[12tone.]

I like The Sixteen better.  I think I still have this here and remember it being one of the cheapest done productions I've heard.  The microphoning they did was a complete mess.  When they sung, it was good.  Once they stopped and there was a gap of silence, the 'air' in the room quit coming 'into' the microphones and 'out' of my speakers.  It was cheap and the recording is just messy all over.  It sounds like it was a second rate recording house that did it.  Down in someone's basement.

This is what I have:



Not recommended.

[Keemun]

I've not heard either, and voted accordingly.  Can I nominate Stile Antico as a third choice?  I have their "Music for Compline" and really like it.    But getting back on topic... I am interested to see what others think of The Sixteen, as I've considered getting some of their albums in the past.

[bhodges]

I truly like both, but chose the Tallis Scholars by just a tiny margin, since I like the sound of the ensemble just a hair better.  But I've seen more wide-ranging repertoire by The Sixteen (e.g., more contemporary music).  And I've heard the Tallis Scholars live, who are pretty stunning in person.  Have not yet heard the other group.

--Bruce

[Mark]

Straying OT, I heard the Oxford Camerata live, and they were stunning. Young soprano, Eloise Irving, made a particularly lasting impression on me when she took the solo line from Stanford's 'The Blue Bird'. It was at once beautiful and heartbreaking.