Catalogue

Summary:

“The transitions between the ages are seemlessly effected, particularly impressive during back-to-back old and new performances of “Magnificat À Quatre”. Recorded in New York’s Cathedral of St John the Divine, these are beautifully blended voices of individual distinction” ★★★★ – The Independent

Classical vocal quartet New York Polyphony struck a chord with their 2007 AVIE records debut, I Sing the Birth. An intimate meditation on the Christmas season, it garnered unanimous praise on both sides of the pond. For their second release, the all-male foursome delivers their signature fusion of historically informed performances in a range of styles. Interspersed between sacred masterpieces of Tudor England are four new works by British-Norwegian composer Andrew Smith, adding a modern harmonic richness and complexity to the album. The result is a compelling synthesis of ancient and contemporary vocal music.

Tracklist:

WILLIAM BYRD (1540–1623)
1. Ave verum corpus (4:17)

WILLIAM CORNYSH (d.1523)
2. Gaude Virgo Mater Christi (5:07)

ANDREW SMITH (b.1970)
3. Flos regalis (2:05)

ANONYMOUS (c.14th century)
4. Flos regalis, from the Worchester Fragments (4:08)

THOMAS TALLIS (c.1505–1585)
5. O come in one to praise the Lord (1:01)
6. Expend, O Lord (1:07)

ANDREW SMITH
7. Surrexit Christus (3:24)

WALTER LAMBE (b.1450/51–1499)
8. Stella caeli (6:49)

JOHN DUNSTABLE (c.1390–1453)
9. Speciosa facta es ab (1:57)

THOMAS TALLIS
10. Audivi vocem (4:13)
11. Why fum’th in fight (1:16)
12. Smith To mock your reign (4:50)
13. Man blest no doubt (1:13)
14. God grant with grace (1:19)

JOHN TAVERNER (c.1495–1560?)
15. Magnificat a 4 (10:53)

ANDREW SMITH
16. Magnificat a 4 (3:19)

CHRISTOPHER TYE (c.1505–1572)
17. In pace (5:51)

Recorded at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York, NY, June 2009
Producer: Malcolm Bruno | Engineer: John C. Baker
Editing and post production: Adrian Hunter