MANUEL CARDOSO: REQUIEM, LAMENTATIONS, MAGNIFICAT & MOTETS

Tenderness, solemnity, and profound feeling for the text inform this emotionally saturated performance. The ten voices are directed from within by tenor Luís Toscano, whose intimate knowledge of every note (having edited all these works) glows throughout. Wonderfully direct tone with admirable dynamic range, this is surely the finest Iberian vocal consort yet to emerge. The Requiem setting is the lesser-known one for four voices, and lively, pellucid recorded sound in the ample acoustics of the Basílica do Bom Jesus do Monte crowns this celebration of Cardoso’s originality. Portuguese polyphony sung by Portuguese voices – it couldn’t be more authentic.

REBECCA TAVENER Read the full review on Agora Classica