Although it's difficult to discern from the outer packaging, this two-disc Palestrina compilation is made from several earlier Tallis Scholars recordings, including the group's groundbreaking Missa Papae Marcelli from 1980. There's not much to say here that hasn't already been said regarding the performances, which are exemplary and remain the standard against which other choirs must be measured in this repertoire. If you have the original Gimell recordings--most of these appear on the four-disc set "The Palestrina 400 Collection" and also are available on several individual discs, then you don't really need this--unless you want all of these superb works (and performances) under one roof. My only slight caution is that the Missa Papae Marcelli, the earliest-recorded of the selections, is somewhat brassy and harsh in loud passages--otherwise, the sound is excellent. If your collection lacks Palestrina, I can only surmise that the reason is you've been waiting for this release. So what are you waiting for? This is it. [3/22/2005]

--David Vernier