Review of Lôbo Requiem/van Wilder motets

By Noël Bisson
Early Music America Magazine - Spring 2000

Early Music America

Minneapolis' Rose Ensemble, directed by Jordan Sramek, is a new group with much talent. On this debut recording the ensemble shows its versatility in several polyphonic styles, as well as chant, with a seemingly effortless, blended sound. Especially moving are Victoria's poignant funeral motet and the Lôbo Requiem.

The recording offers an odd grouping of pieces: There is really no common ground between the Requiem by the early 17th-century Portuguese composer Duarte Lôbo (c. 1565-1646), and the motets by Philip van Wilder (c. 1490-1553), the early 16th-century Flemish composer who came to England and became a favorite of Henry VIII. However, despite this strange juxtaposition of styles and composers, it is a pleasure to hear such wonderful performances of rarely heard works, all on one disc.

All of van Wilder's surviving sacred pieces are found here, including the strange 12-voice "Deo Gratias" and a strikingly beautiful setting of "Sancte Deus." Although the singing in the van Wilder is a bit uneven, the overall sound is beautiful. The sustained lines of the eight-voice Lôbo Requiem are a challenge for any ensemble, and this group is certainly up to the task.