Musica Secreta - Dangerous Graces: Music by Cipriano de Rore and pupils - The Scotsman
Musica Secreta is striking a blow for 16th century feminism. Professional singing was not the sole domain of men and boys, say the female vocal group. They set out to prove it with Dangerous Graces, a disc of music written by Cipriano de Rore and his pupils for a group of Renaissance divas. This included such refreshing madrigals as Luzzasco Luzzaschi's heart-tugging Dolci sospiri ardenti and de Rore's own extended Amor se così dolce. Once the ear adjusts to these high register confections, the result is deeply satisfying.