Lassus' Library

[Que]

Well Que, as there are still plenty Lassus CDs I don't have yet........name something you haven't seen me listening to yet? and I'll do it 

I'm not sure what you already have.... better safe than sorry...

Herreweghe's other major Lassus recording besides the Penitential Psalms:

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I would (almost) kill for it, and would seriously consider buying it used in good condition....

Moving on, assuming you already have Herreweghe's recordings of Lagrime di San Pietro and Hieremiae prophetae lamentationes....

The recording by the German ensemble Singer Pur, already recommended above by North Star is a "no brainer".....

Since Lassus was born in the Southern Netherlands - present day Belgium - as Roland de Lâtre, the Belgian label Musiques en Wallonie recently issued an awesome commemorative series of five volumes covering the musical life of Lassus. I urge you to consider getting that. They handpicked some of THE most prominent Early Music ensembles of today. The issues are not cheap, but that is made up for in excellent  recording quality, lavish presentation with elaborate notes and superb performances in well constituted programmes .
A word of warning: don't wait for prices to come down, they won't. These issues are printed in small numbers and will just quietly run OOP in 1-2 years.....

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[asin]B00HNHM1G4[/asin]	[asin]B00NGTRIX4[/asin]
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I love them all, but have particular soft spots for Singer Pur, Vox Luminis and the Egidius Kwartet.

Last but not least the slightly older performances by the German Orlando di Lasso Ensemble Hannover:

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These performance are perhaps not as polished as some of the others, but make up for that in autheticity and integrity.

And there you go - all the Lassus recordings on my shelves that are worthy of a recommendation.
Enjoy! 

Q

[Mandryka]

The problem with Herreweghe, and despite the quality of what he does I think it's a real big problem, is that his choir's too big. I've been very very impressed by Hilliard's Lassus recently.

[Que]

The problem with Herreweghe, and despite the quality of what he does I think it's a real big problem, is that his choir's too big. I've been very very impressed by Hilliard's Lassus recently, some of it has been remastered very well.

Herreweghe's choral forces are bigger than they should be.

He nevertheless achieves epic Lassus performances that I would never be without.

Q

[Mandryka]

Herreweghe's choral forces are bigger than they should be.

He nevertheless achieves epic Lassus performances that I would never be without.

Q

I agree with you, totally.

[Que]

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What did you think? Still waiting for my copy to arrive.

Good day, North Star!

My question for Que as well. 

Wondering about those "decay issues" that the amazon reviewer points to in his review.

Looks like a splendid release, though!

Well, gentlemen... One things is certain:  this small scale performance - single top voices, tenors and bases doubled, sound to-tally different from Herreweghe's choral oplulence...  It's early days, but it is a very appealing performance, intimate and very focused on the texts and moods.
And don't know what the Amazon reviewer had it mind (perhaps a full blown "cathedral" sound?), but on this recording made in the ancient St. Cyriak Church, Sulzburg,  Germany doesn't lack sonic ambience:



If anything, I might have preferred a more direct/ closer recording to get more clarity...
With this 2nd disc my impression of the interpretation is starting to settle.
Those who are familiar with their Jacobus Vaet recordings know what to expect: intimate, individual, mellow interpretations. Ensemble singing is not sloppy by any standards , but definitely more "loose" or "laid back" than what is currently more common. The total ensemble sound is therefore not crystal clear.

I think this is a great set, with individual interpretation which makes the music very much "alive", but feel hesitation to declare this an ultimate winner....
They were a good match for Jacobus Vaet, but for Lassus ideally there is more intensity required, and more discipline and clarity. Technically I need things to run like clock clockwork.

Could, for instance, some of the kick-ass ensembles in the Musiques en Wallonie Lassus series take things up another notch (or two)?
I'm thinking of Ludus Modalis, Vox Luminis or Singer Pur. I think so...

Recommended all the same!

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=1035760

Q

[Mandryka]

This recording by Ekkehard Kiem is easily sampleable, the whole thing is there on Qobuz in fact, I think the reviewer was right to suggest that there's not much room ambience. I like the idea of an intimate approach,  I shall have to get to know this one better when I'm next in a Lassus mood.

[San Antone]

Just released, but only as download   MDT has the CD and it is available on most streaming services:



Orlande de LASSUS
Responsories for Holy Week

Responsories for Maundy Thursday
1–3 Second Nocturn
4–6 Third Nocturn
Responsories for Good Friday
7–9 Second Nocturn
10–12 Third Nocturn
Responsories for Holy Saturday
13–15 Second Nocturn
16–18 Third Nocturn

TT 54:14

Ars Cantica / Marco Berrini

• Orlande de Lassus (1530/32–94) was one of the most prolific composers in history: he wrote more than 70 Masses and 700 motets, around 300 madrigals and 100 Magnificats, as well as hymns, German Lieder, French chansons and Italian villanesche.

• Around 1580 Lassus composed a four-voice setting of the eighteen Responsories for the second and third Nocturns of Holy Week, probably intended for the services in the private chapel of his employer, Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria.

• In these miniature dramas Lassus skilfully supports the text, as was then required by the Council of Trent, illustrating the human tragedy of the Easter story with exquisite music all the more moving for its restraint.

• This is the first recording of the critical edition of the Responsories prepared by the late Peter Bergqvist, the internationally recognised authority on Lassus' music.

Marco Berrini, one of the most active choral directors in Italy today, is professor of choral music at the Conservatorio Antonio Vivaldi in Alessandria, in Piedmont. He has worked throughout Italy, as well as in Austria, France, Germany, Israel, Portugal, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. He is the Artistic Director of the professional vocal ensemble Ars Cantica, which he founded in in 1988. Since then Ars Cantica has won numerous prizes in both national and international competitions and has participated in major national and international festivals.



A mid-size mixed ensemble, overall good sound and performance.  I am not sure how many other recordings there are for this music, but if you have not heard these works, they are some of Lasso's best, imo.

[Que]

Just released, but only as download   MDT has the CD and it is available on most streaming services:

A mid-size mixed ensemble, overall good sound and performance.  I am not sure how many other recordings there are for this music, but if you have not heard these works, they are some of Lasso's best, imo.

Thanks!  I'm  going to check it out.

It has also arrived at Amazon:

[asin]B07574QX4X[/asin]
Q

[Carlo Gesualdo]

Ladies of choice and taste great Mister of this world.

Deprofundis was just checking and stumble on two marveleous releases, you will like if you like Lasso aka Lassus aka Roland de Lassus thee name.

The Signum recording of Lamentation of prophet Jeremiah is awesome, epic and true to the composer name, I TOTALLY FLIP OUT, like it was better than my LP version of this work by Dessof choir no kidding.

But there more yes Sigmun had Lagrime di san Pietro another keeper. Oh I love Sigmun Records, there release so solid you will fall in love whit these work.

Than CPO I like my new Manfred Cordes Marian vespers a lots, but find my Lassus pslams sinfonikers a bit drab, but I will give it a chance I only heard it twice  and has 3 billion records Oh lord of lords.

I says Buy the Signum pearls of  a recordings, whit a blindfold on, do you trust thee boy, here Deprofundis know is Lassus he has zillion recordings he not counting anymore.

CPO get decent silver place for Lassus, I said decent silver, there are not bad Manfred Cordes is always awesome, my problem is the double CD on CPO and I try not too be too harsh.Have a good days purchase these marvel now , right now, rush to the store or order them now, do it now wow, magnifique grandiose un triomphe= in French
In English

Outstanding, breathtaking, mesmerized!!!

Please Lassus fanboys comment, this is huge, i mean this is huge, I'm so impress, you can take this impression I have for money in the bank, there that good.

Hail Lassus's greatness!!!

[Que]

Ah Orlando di Lasso: Lamentations of prophet Jeremiah + requiem on signum simply gorgeous voice very fluid , peerless rendition, astonishing beauty in motion, I'm blown away, carry away toward paradise for a moments visit seen what it look like, amen to this folks, angelic aftertaste, greatest rendition of Lassus I heard so far, and I know my stuff by now, my friend the greatest musicologist please bow to this, please be carried away by this album, it's a jowride, forsaken fun...tears of joy...

Lassus is on of the very greatest IMO! 

Looked into the recording you mentioned, I linked a (positive) review by Johan van Veen:

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http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2013/Nov13/Lassus_SanPietro_SIGCD339.htm

Not familiar with the recording myself, or the ensemble. But I need to look in to it.
My current favourite is Herreweghe, though that's definitely not OVPP (one voice per part).

Q

[vers la flamme]

I have the Herreweghe and it's damn good, though I admit this music is all terra incognita for me.

[Mandryka]

Here's the inimitable Peter Sellars on the Lassus' Lagrime, I saw his production last year and really enjoyed it.

https://www.youtube.com/v/GM4oOvuElaA

[Carlo Gesualdo]

I will have to check that out, thanks oh Mandryka, cher ami, vous avez du gout, Lassus le Fameux, Lassus l'incomparable, Lassus le divin!!!

[Carlo Gesualdo]

I never ever being that impressed in my life, and I know what I'm talking about.

Lasso Lamentation of Jeremiah by Collegium Regale ensemble of Stephen Cleobury might be the best yet, deprofundis as heard them all, so I darn know my stuff, if I say it's that good, then it is!

Here my review real professional rendition, fluid & warm voices, not drab on contrary powerful & skilled, touching & moving, It will keep you riveting to you're chair, The Lamentations are supreme  and the requiem is a delight, you like Lasso or Lassus, you possibly can't go wrong whit this one, it's amazing, if I give my seal of approval on this one, I swear to god it's that great. I order this absolute gem, thinking in mind well I have this work  by so many how can it be this fabulous do I need more copy of it, the answer was yes.

This is a wonderful album, not to be miss out on, that is if you like quality Lassus, there are not flaws to this recording, only a fool or a noob would think else, trust me this album is not  a bronze or a silver medalist, it's true gold, do you need more, I say if you really like the composer buy it whit a blindfold on, you wont be deceived. It's that incredible, I ask fan of Lassus across the globe, musicologists, audiophile there opinion here , so is it the best you heard so far hmm?

I drooled like a Pavlov dog for this release so far out mesmerizing.

[Carlo Gesualdo]

Greetings, I'm giving a third chance on this double album Orlando di Lasso Psalmms by die Singphoniker BR KLASSIK, CPO label.

First I would like to says the first time I heard and bought this, was deceived, but keep the records that is in CD media, I though perhaps a second listen will do it, was disapointed.

Than tonight, I deceided to give it another chance, sometime sacred music you have to be in the right mood yah know?

So now whit peace of mind, inner peace, calm all and all this is not so bad, perhaps not the best Lassus Psalms but decent, relaxing, introspective, quiet.

All I needed was patience, there you go, it's pleasant sorry Singphoniker, for bashing you're performance, this release is okay I guess, yet it'S not catchy so what?

Does music had to be love at first sight, nope, does music have to be catchy instant turn on, nope.

I ask GmG what do you think of this album if you heard it, it'S good before you go to bed, not that it'S somnolant and drab, to put you to sleep, no I did not said this, but it might help ya empty you're mind, relief turmoil?

[Que]

Greetings, I'm giving a third chance on this double album Orlando di Lasso Psalmms by die Singphoniker BR KLASSIK, CPO label.

The Singphoniker aren't terrible but this is not their home turf, and you can tell.

For the iconic Penitential Psalms I have two recommendations. Herreweghe, with a choir that is way too big but the result is intoxicating. The other is the intimate not perfectly recorded performance - some lack of clarity - by the Dufay Ensemble, discussed above.

   

[SonicMan46]

Orlando di Lassus (1532-1594) - St. Matthew Passion & Penitential Psalms w/ the first two shown below that I own - just pulled my half dozen or so recordings for this influential Renaissance composer (short bio below - much more on the link) - will post more later - BUT the first CD is quite good (see attached reviews) - the Penitential Psalms however seems to be a 'toss up' (again in the attachment) - over the last two days I listened to my Hyperion Dyad w/ the Henry's Eight and also the Herreweghe recording off Spotify - not sure which one I enjoyed the most?  I know that the latter has gotten 'thumbs up' for the 'best recording' but just wondering what the thoughts may now be - does not seem to be any new options?  Dave

Orlando di Lassus (also other names) was a composer of the late Renaissance, chief representative of the mature polyphonic style of the Franco-Flemish school, and considered to be one of the three most famous and influential musicians in Europe at the end of the 16th century (the other two being Palestrina and Victoria). (Source)

   

[Que]

Orlando di Lassus (1532-1594) - St. Matthew Passion & Penitential Psalms w/ the first two shown below that I own - just pulled my half dozen or so recordings for this influential Renaissance composer (short bio below - much more on the link) - will post more later - BUT the first CD is quite good (see attached reviews) - the Penitential Psalms however seems to be a 'toss up' (again in the attachment) - over the last two days I listened to my Hyperion Dyad w/ the Henry's Eight and also the Herreweghe recording off Spotify - not sure which one I enjoyed the most?  I know that the latter has gotten 'thumbs up' for the 'best recording' but just wondering what the thoughts may now be - does not seem to be any new options?  Dave

   

Hi Dave, one more to try for the Penitential Psalms would be the Dufay Ensemble - see previous post on this thread! 

[Mandryka]

Orlando di Lassus (1532-1594) - St. Matthew Passion & Penitential Psalms w/ the first two shown below that I own - just pulled my half dozen or so recordings for this influential Renaissance composer (short bio below - much more on the link) - will post more later - BUT the first CD is quite good (see attached reviews) - the Penitential Psalms however seems to be a 'toss up' (again in the attachment) - over the last two days I listened to my Hyperion Dyad w/ the Henry's Eight and also the Herreweghe recording off Spotify - not sure which one I enjoyed the most?  I know that the latter has gotten 'thumbs up' for the 'best recording' but just wondering what the thoughts may now be - does not seem to be any new options?  Dave

   

This



You should also check Hilliard of course, even if you ultimately reject it.

[SonicMan46]

This

 

You should also check Hilliard of course, even if you ultimately reject it.

Thanks Mandryka for the recommendation above, and a recent recording (2019) which seems rare to see these days w/ 'Early Music' - I replaced the Hilliard w/ Henry's Eight, like the sound of both but the latter had the 'Laudate Psalms' which the 'Die Singphoniker' group also does - the recording is on Spotify so I'll do a listen and compare one or two of the psalms.  Dave