Cantiones sacrae is the long-awaited follow up to Magnificat’s critically acclaimed 25th anniversary recording, Scattered Ashes.

The Cantiones sacrae is an unusual work that stands quite apart from Schütz’s other published sacred music in both scale and style. The collection comprises forty Latin motets for four voices, plus a figured bass for continuo accompaniment (realized on this recording by lute, violone and organ), which was added later by the composer. The perfectly crafted works are composed in a learned, contrapuntal style rich in dissonance and range of expression.

Schütz cleverly mirrors the intensely intimate nature of the texts using a musical language that looks to inward expression rather than to external effect. Schütz takes every opportunity to exploit vocal timbre and technique in the service of word-painting, with the virtuosic vocal lines ranging from a conservative imitative style to the most avant-garde, chromatic style of the Italian madrigal.

Magnificat’s performance of the Opus 4 motets reveals Schütz to be a composer with an imagination of extraordinary variety.

Magnificat is one of the world’s premiere vocal ensembles, internationally acclaimed for its sophisticated, historically -informed performance of Renaissance and Baroque choral masterpieces.  Under director Philip Cave the ensemble has established a reputation for innovative programming, presenting previously undiscovered works alongside familiar repertoire in a fresh context. Recording exclusively for Linn Records, Magnificat has released a series of award-winning recordings focusing on works from late Renaissance Spain and post-Reformation England. Magnificat’s recording of music associated with Savonarola, Scattered Ashes, was a finalist in the 2016 Gramophone Awards.

Philip Cave was a joint recipient (with Sally Dunkley) of the American Musicological Society’s Greenberg Award for work on Philippe Rogier’s music. Cave received the Byrne Award from the London Handel Society and is an Honorary Fellow of London’s Academy of Saint Cecilia.

“Sonic splendour abounds in the Magnificat choir.” - BBC Music Magazine

“Magnificat’s velvety sound is at its most luxurious. Their interpretations of the post-Josquin generation of continental composers are among the finest on disc.” - Gramophone

“...for a total combination of clarity of individual parts, mass of combined sound, and devotional intensity, [Magnificat] tops them all.” - Fanfare