Music for Compline

On its spectacular debut recording, the exciting young British vocal group stile antico presents a program of English Renaissance music associated with the office of Compline, the service that ends the monastic liturgical day. A who's-who of 16th-century British composers--including Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and John Sheppard--is represented here by hymns, antiphons, responsories, motets, and psalms: the occasion not only for music of intimacy, elegance, and reflection, but for flights of breathtaking canonic and contrapuntal invention and harmonic daring.

Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, fast gaining recognition as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. In 2005 the group won the inaugural Audience Prize at the Early Music Network International Young Artists’ Competition, drawing critical praise for its ‘wonderfully vivid singing’ and ‘perfectly focused and ideally balanced voices.’ Since this success, Stile Antico has appeared throughout the UK, including at the City of London, Lake District Summer Music and Beverley and East Riding Festivals; engagements for 2007 include the York Early Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with Sting on tour in his project Songs from the Labyrinth, performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Working without a conductor, the members of Stile Antico rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical result. Their repertoire ranges from the glorious legacy of the English Tudor composers to the works of the Flemish and Spanish schools and the music of the early Baroque. They are passionate about the need to communicate with their audiences, combining thoughtful programming with direct, expressive performances. They are also committed to developing their educational work, for which they have received generous funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England. From the label:

ethereal beauty

a bit of heaven compressed in a compact disc best describes this absolutely ethereal work November 11, 2008

This CD rocks!

This CD rocks, if you are into this kind of music. I listen to it on my morning commute and it is uplifting and wonderful. Hearing is believing! July 8, 2008

An exceptional and Moving Experience

This first offering from British vocal group stile antico is an exceptional listening experience. Beautiful and soothing, the vocals on this CD are ouststanding. This is a 5-star listen through and through. Also enjoyable is the booklet that comes with the CD explaining Compline and the 16th century composers whose music is featuered on the CD.

Highly recommended. This is a 5 star treat, don't miss this one. May 19, 2008

Best Miserere Nostri

The CD is worth purchasing for track #10 alone (Tallis' Miserere Nostris)-- By far the most sublime and etheral recording on this album, although the entire album is very well produced. March 29, 2008

A gift to the ears and soul

This music is truly a gift to the soul. Very relaxing, very calming. Well worth it. March 9, 2008

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