Candlemas was only just a couple of weeks ago; an early Easter this year means that Lent is here already. If I were to suggest Miserere Mei, Deus (the Gradual) to accompany the start of the Lenten season, no doubt for some readers Gregorio Allegri, the Catholic priest and Italian composer of the Roman School, would spring immediately to mind. I’m going to swerve the obvious, though, and instead explore other, equally noteworthy settings of that great psalm.
These sensitive adjustments are inspired: they keep the ear’s attention through nearly 15 minutes of singing, yet never dilute the sense of a whole (or two halves, to be precise). White’s vocal writing is varied and engaging but not complex or fussy. Melodies are elegant and chromatic dissonance is used to decorate throughout, right to the very last phrase. The group responds with singing that is beautifully balanced yet full of character.
