Stile Antico - From the Imperial Court: Music for the House of Hapsburg (2014) [Official Digital Download 24/88]

One of Europe’s most extraordinary ruling dynasties, the Hapsburgs ruled greater or lesser portions of Europe from the 11th century until 1918, their heyday coinciding with the supreme musical flourishing of the 16th century. Their rule saw a particular increase during the reign of Maximilian I, secured first by his marriage to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 and then by the union of their son Philip ‘the Handsome’ with Joanna ‘the Mad’ of Castille. Thus his grandson Charles V essentially ruled Spain, Germany, Austria, Burgundy and the Low Countries, before he in turn divided his territories between his son Philip II and his brother Ferdinand of Austria in 1555-6. As these successive generations enlarged their power and territory, they gathered around themselves the leading composers of the day. Stile Antico present music closely associated with Maximilian I, Charles V and Philip II in this programme of sumptuous works by Thomas Tallis and the finest Spanish and Flemish polyphonists of the 15th & 16th centuries.

“The young British ensemble Stile Antico sing exquisitely” (The Sunday Times)

“The antique style of the conductorless choir Stile Antico is now familiar: impeccably tuned, carefully moulded, beautifully presented singing of intelligently planned anthologies…there is marvellously varied and powerful music here – more so than the rather uniform declamation suggests.” (The Observer)

Tracklist:
01. Jubilate Deo: Jubilate Deo
02. Andreas Christi famulus: Andreas Christi famulus
03. Loquebantur variis linguis: Loquebantur variis linguis
04. Mille regretz: Mille regretz
05. Quis dabit oculis nostris: Quis dabit oculis nostris
06. Magnificat primi toni: Magnificat primi toni
07. Absalon fili mi: Absalon fili mi
08. Mille regretz: Mille regretz
09. Carole magnus eras: Carole magnus eras
10. Versa est in luctum: Versa est in luctum
11. Virgo prudentissima: Virgo prudentissima