Immerse yourself in the sacred and hauntingly beautiful world of Renaissance choral music with "In Paradisum: Music of Victoria and Palestrina" by The Hilliard Ensemble. This exquisite album, released on March 17, 2000, under the ECM New Series label, is a masterful exploration of the requiem and medieval choral genres, featuring the profound works of Tomás Luis de Victoria and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.
The Hilliard Ensemble, renowned for their impeccable vocal precision and deep emotional resonance, delivers a captivating performance that spans over an hour and fifteen minutes. The album includes a selection of pieces from Victoria's "Requiem (Officium defunctorem, 1605)" and "Missa pro defunctis (1592)," as well as Palestrina's iconic "Missa pro defunctis." Notable tracks such as "Libera me Domine" and the chilling "Dies Irae" showcase the ensemble's ability to convey the solemnity and spiritual depth of these timeless compositions.
This album is a testament to the enduring power of medieval and Renaissance choral music, offering a serene and contemplative listening experience. The Hilliard Ensemble's interpretation brings to life the intricate polyphony and harmonic richness of Victoria and Palestrina, making "In Paradisum" a profound and enriching addition to any music collection.