BREMF – Josquin & Fayrfax 500 – BREMF Consort of Voices, Deborah Roberts (Director)

Congratulations to the BREMF CoV who returned in top form after the long Covid break in rehearsals and performance. It was meant to be an easy summer concert, but instead they sang works by Josquin des Prez and Robert Fayrfax, who both died in 1521, the most elaborate and inventive composers of their day. Their masterpieces are usually performed in the supportive acoustic of resonant Gothic architecture. The Royal Spa is not quite suited to complex, unaccompanied  polyphony. Indeed, the audience probably heard the works better than the singers because of some very careful amplification. It gave a remarkable definition to the various parts and the choir’s customary clear diction was greatly enhanced. This intricate programme was full of complex rhythms and many long melismatic passages which wonderfully still managed to end up together no matter how distant the voices. Such alert, responsive singing is a hallmark of this excellent choir.

12th June, 2021

Rating: