Hans Leo Hassler's

Cantate Domino Motets and Organ Works

THOSE who enjoy organ music, and sacred works especially, will revel in this new CD from CPO.

It offers 72 minutes of motets and organ works by the 16th Century German composer Hans Leo Hassler.

His vocal works carry a high degree of compositional mastery and there is great colour and invention in his music.

Hassler's style is close to that of Venetians Andreas and Giovanni Gabrieli and it is probably to them that the pieces in this disc owe their vitality.

Those who regard sacred and secular music as monotonous may struggle with a few of the quieter vocal works but will be amply rewarded by the powerful organ solos of Martin Bocker.

He shows a sure touch and great tenderness and his playing demonstrates a vibrancy that captures the attention.

On the vocal front, Exsultate Deo for five singers is a fine collection of voices which strike a sensitive balance. The work conveys a wonderful feeling of tranquillity.

Ricercar in A shows Herr Bocker in considerable form as he, by sacred standards, fairly romps through the composition with some sharp, crisp playing that would cut the cloistered reserve of any church or cathedral.

The organist gives similar treatment to Canzon in G and the work twists and turns offering much musical skill.

Hassler's Toccata in G completes this CD with huge verve and excitement. It's about as animated as sacred music gets and offers a fine insight for classical music enthusiasts who have drawn back from trying church pieces.

The Weser-Renaissance ensemble of Bremen, conducted by Manfred Cordes, lends first class, if understated, accompaniment, but, all in all, this is a disc to be savoured.

CPO 999 723-2

Hans Leo Hassler's

Cantate Domino Motets and Organ Works

THOSE who enjoy organ music, and sacred works especially, will revel in this new CD from CPO.

It offers 72 minutes of motets and organ works by the 16th Century German composer Hans Leo Hassler.

His vocal works carry a high degree of compositional mastery and there is great colour and invention in his music.

Hassler's style is close to that of Venetians Andreas and Giovanni Gabrieli and it is probably to them that the pieces in this disc owe their vitality.

Those who regard sacred and secular music as monotonous may struggle with a few of the quieter vocal works but will be amply rewarded by the powerful organ solos of Martin Bocker.

He shows a sure touch and great tenderness and his playing demonstrates a vibrancy that captures the attention.

On the vocal front, Exsultate Deo for five singers is a fine collection of voices which strike a sensitive balance. The work conveys a wonderful feeling of tranquillity.

Ricercar in A shows Herr Bocker in considerable form as he, by sacred standards, fairly romps through the composition with some sharp, crisp playing that would cut the cloistered reserve of any church or cathedral.

The organist gives similar treatment to Canzon in G and the work twists and turns offering much musical skill.

Hassler's Toccata in G completes this CD with huge verve and excitement. It's about as animated as sacred music gets and offers a fine insight for classical music enthusiasts who have drawn back from trying church pieces.

The Weser-Renaissance ensemble of Bremen, conducted by Manfred Cordes, lends first class, if understated, accompaniment, but, all in all, this is a disc to be savoured.

CPO 999 723-2