Gothic Voices - Mary Star Of The Sea (2016) [Hi-Res]

Gothic Voices, the world-famous early music ensemble, makes its Linn debut with a recording celebrating the biblical matriarch Mary. Pieces from contemporary composers Joanne Metcalf and Andrew Smith sit alongside setting of Marian texts from the 13th and 14th centuries. Notably, there is a rare setting of English biblical text which precedes the first publication of an English language bible by 150 years. Mary in her various guises - caring mother, virgin lover, guiding light - are explored through settings of ancient ritualistic texts showing her mythical and human aspects, whilst contemporary settings relate the themes to the modern day. The contemporary works are cleverly constructed around a modal core so that they fit perfectly with the structure and sound of the early music compositions. With over thirty years experience Gothic Voices' complete understanding of every aspect of early music performance is exceptional. Throughout its career Gothic Voices has been world-renowned for the excellence, refinement and spirituality of its performances of medieval music and has appeared throughout Europe and in the Americas. Originally founded in 1980 by the scholar and musician Christopher Page, Gothic Voices has gone on to release over twenty recordings, three of which won the coveted Gramophone Early Music Award. With imaginative programmes using voices in varying combinations to produce authoritative performances of great beauty, Gothic Voices has won the appreciation of audiences all over the world. Gothic Voices' wonderfully evocative sound world resulted in over a million sales of its debut featuring the music of Hildegard of Bingen.