Mass for St. Isidore

This recording seeks to re-create the occasion of a Mass for the Feast of St. Isidore of Seville as it might have been celebrated in Toledo Cathedral around 1590. Although we know such undertakings involve a lot of guesswork, with performers like Paul McCreesh and his Gabrieli Consort, we know the effort is supported by conscientious research and intelligent speculation. We also are reassured by the well-written liner notes. And when we hear the opening instrumental "Cancion," we are happily drawn into the whole concept. This is a beautiful and brilliantly conceived program, featuring works by various 16th-century composers and centered around the outstanding Morales mass. The singing is superb, the instrumental playing unassailable. This is a top choice for every early music library. --David Vernier