Although the packaging doesn’t acknowledge it, this is a reissue of the Rebelo & Melgás–Sacred Choral Music from 17th-century Portugal CD originally released on Collins in 1996. It was a welcome recording then, and it remains so, as this musically appealing and historically important repertoire is still pretty much ignored by performers and labels. (Only one other disc–a 1994 release on Hyperion, performed by Pro Cantione Antiqua–offers more selections by Melgás; Rebelo’s music appears only on a random compilation or two.) Many of the Rebelo pieces show the influence of Gabrieli-style antiphonal, polychoral structure, including characteristic big blocks of full-textured harmony mixed with lively polyphonic sections, often colorfully orchestrated with brass. At least one piece–Qui habitat–exhibits florid melismatic material, lightly scored for solo voices with minimal instrumental accompaniment. However, what may be the most impressive work here is Melgás’ Popule meus, a lengthy (11 and a half minutes), a cappella, predominantly homophonic masterpiece that shows the composer’s astonishing facility with basic tools of text and harmony. The Sixteen and its collaborators (including the original recording team of Mark Brown and Mike Hatch) present these profoundly beautiful 17th-century works in an ideal acoustic that complements the vibrant, eminently expressive performances. If you missed this on Collins, you know what to do. [7/2/2004]
