Gothic Voices - Nowell synge we bothe al and som - The Times

On Gothic Voices’ superb album Nowell synge we bothe al and som in numerical terms you don’t hear very much: only four voices, one mezzo, two tenors and a baritone, powerfully delivering English Advent and Christmas carols and motets from the 14th and 15th centuries. Music then chiefly proceeded horizontally, with little sustained vertical harmony in support; it makes for bracing listening. Gothic Voices sing with such passion that there’s never a hint of dry scholarship. Favourite tracks? John Dunstaple’s thrilling motet Gaude virgo salutara and the poignantly simple carol Ther is no rose of swych virtu.