Tallis: Spem in Alium

Other treats include the popular Pentecost motet Loquebantur variis linguis, two beautiful settings of the prayer Salvator mundi, and the 20-minute votive antiphon Gaude gloriosa, which has intricate imitative passages for three to four soloists alternating with vigorous writing for full choir. --Matthew Westphal


This was the Tallis Scholars' first recording devoted to their namesake composer--and it remains one of the best Tallis discs available. Its centerpiece is the famous Spem in alium for eight five-voice choirs. This is a spectacular piece, with voices entering one by one, leading to a sudden, crashing entry for all eight choirs. The choirs then toss pealing phrases back and forth (listen with headphones!) and finish with a monumental 40-voice chord.

Other treats include the popular Pentecost motet Loquebantur variis linguis, two beautiful settings of the prayer Salvator mundi, and the 20-minute votive antiphon Gaude gloriosa, which has intricate imitative passages for three to four soloists alternating with vigorous writing for full choir. --Matthew Westphal