Fiona Maddocks
The Observer
July 2015

Top male-voice ensemble Cinquecento—six singers from five different European countries—has specialised in early vocal music for more than a decade. This collection comes from the high Renaissance: the Franco-Flemish composer Orlande de Lassus (1530/32-94) ranks with Palestrina and Victoria as one of the greats of the period, though arguably less appreciated. His music has a stern, expressive power, with sensitive word-setting (as here in the motet Timor et tremor—Fear and Trembling). The Missa super Dixit Joseph is based on one of Lassus’s own motets telling the Bible story of Joseph and Jacob. Cinquecento, pure-toned but never over-polished, are willing to take risks, which gives this ethereal music energy and life.

The Observer