a leading, independent classical record label

Thomas Tallis - The Complete Works
Boxed set of 9 volumes

Chapelle du Roi
directed by Alistair Dixon

Review of individual discs can be found by clicking below:

• Vol 1 - Reviews
• Vol 2 - Reviews
• Vol 3 - Reviews
• Vol 4 - Reviews
• Vol 5 - Reviews
• Vol 6 - Reviews
• Vol 7 - Reviews
• Vol 8 - Reviews
• Vol 9 - Reviews
• Spem in Alium & Sing and Glorify Single

www.positive-feedback.com/Issue16

Actually, Dixon and the Chapelle du Roi don't perform on this recording, Volume 9, which completes this remarkable and pleasing series, but they are on the first eight and so I'm crediting them here. The performers here are mainly instrumentalists, the brilliant group, Charaivari Agrèable, and also the wonderful harpsichordist, Laurence Cummings.

As you can see in the image above, all nine CD's are now available as a set, though not yet, I don't believe, in the US.

I am a Tallis (and Byrd) fan, but even if I weren't I would absolutely love and rave about this recording. If you have trouble sorting out the differences among English renaissance composers, you are not alone. But to my ears, which are passionate but not highly educated ones, the sound of Tallis has always had a particular appeal, which I can't account for in strictly musical terms. He and Byrd separate themselves from the others in ways that go right to the heart, both the heart of what this period's music is all about and to ours. I am singling out Volume 9 because it presents music of the composer I did not know existed, music for renaissance instruments: lute, virginals, and viols. That the religious choral sound of Tallis translates so eloquently to instrumental colors is a revelation to me. To those of you interested in finding a way into Tallis, this may be the most attractive entry point. This music is transporting.

The whole series is a symbol of what can be done in the face of the sad state of classical music recording in the world today. To complete a nine-volume series of the entire works of a not widely known sixteenth century composer of mainly religious choral music I consider a triumph of music over commerce. Hail to Signum! And hie you to your local record shop for one of the best classical albums of the year.

Bob Neill