Rore: Ancor che col partire

Capella Mediterranea, Clematis, L’Acheron, Vox luminis, Doulce Memoire, Choeur de Chambre de Namur
69:50
Ricercar RIC355

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his is somewhat variable. The first of the six early versions of Ancor che col partire, spread through the 19 tracks, makes clear that this was one of the famous adaptations. Other such pieces are included as well, and the seven different ensembles provide variety in style, though I got a bit tired of the automatic quick runs. I also felt a bit awkward in some of the shaping of the singers – though not enough to avoid buying this disc, which marks the 35th anniversary of the label Ricercar.

The booklet is thorough, explaining the importance of Cipriano de Rore (1515/16-1565) as a major composer, though it would be easier if the commentary gave a general introduction then described each piece in order. This is not so much a survey of his madrigals, however, and there’s a gap between no. 6 and 15 with no voices present. It’s worth hearing, but I don’t want to listen to too many such embellishments.

Clifford Bartlett

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