Palestrina: Music for the Christmas Season (CD)

Discs: 1 
Record Label: Centaur 
Release Date: May 1, 1992 

“The ensemble shows great sensitivity in phrasing and choice of articulation . . . aficionados will be grateful that these wonderful works have been recorded so successfully.” — Choral Journal 

Chicago a capella’s debut recording presents works from one of Renaissance Italy’s best-known composers, the Roman choirmaster Palestrina, including his rarely heard masterpiece Missa O magnum mysterium. Also included are several of Palestrina’s Christmas hymns, which alternate between verses of polyphony and verses of Gregorian chant, and the six-voice motet “O magnum mysterium.” 

Artists: 
Chicago a capella 
Laura Amend soprano 
Carol LoVerde soprano 
Susan Schober alto 
Terry Sullivan alto 
Cary Lovett tenor 
Trevor Mitchell tenor 
Matthew Greenberg baritone 
Robert Heitzinger baritone 
Jonathan Miller bass 

Contents: 

Palestrina Missa, “O Magnum Mysterium” for five voices 

Palestrina Motet: O magnum mysterium for six voices 

Palestrina Office hymns for four voices, sung alternatim with chant 

Palestrina Offertory: Jublate Deo universa terra for five voices