This program purports to bring together music that “spans the life and reign” of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, written by composers who either were especially prominent during this period (early-to-mid-1500s) or in some way were associated with Charles’ court. One connection lies in the Emperor’s affiliation with the chivalric Order of the Golden Fleece, among whose activities was the commissioning of music, and, as explained in the informative notes, in various ways was responsible for fostering the proliferation of the “L’homme armé” tune (a sort of Renaissance-style “Onward Christian Soldiers”) and the extensive tradition of mass settings based on it, one of which–a splendid version by Morales–begins this program. Other highlights include a sublime Ave Maria by Josquin, with its stark, open-fifth ending, and Gombert’s lovely, flowing motet Qui colis Ausoniam (written for the occasion of a 1533 treaty involving Charles, the Pope, and various Italian rulers). As usual with this choir, the singing is first rate, with well-maintained balances, even in the widely-spaced scoring of the Crecquillon motet and in the shifts from smaller to larger voice groupings within works. The sound is generally very good, with some harshness in the louder, upper-register soprano sections of the Crecquillon. [Note: For a review of an excellent recording by Pomerium based on this same “music associated with Charles V” premise, and featuring similar repertoire, type Q1717 in Search Reviews.]
