CD Review of Lôbo Requiem/van Wilder motets
By Andrew Druckenbrod, Minneapolis Star Tribune
August 1, 1999
In the realm of early-music performance, a world premiere recording of an ancient work becomes an ensemble's calling card. After years of steadily improving performances through Minnesota, the vocal group Rose Ensemble has entered that arena, releasing a disk that contains the first recording of several sacred motets by 16th-century composer Philip van Wilder. Known as the favorite musician of King Henry VIII of England, Wilder since has been largely forgotten. But director Jordan Sramek breathes life into the works (an English anthem and six Latin motets). One could quibble with the strident singing that creeps up occasionally in the CD, especially in the plainchant sections of sumptuous "Requiem" by Duarte Lobo. But the passion that these singers have for Renaissance music comes across on this disc and reflects Rose Ensemble's characteristically outstanding live concerts.