I didn't include this release on my list here originally, basically because it came out in the middle of a sequence with The Dufay Spectacle & Le prince d'amours — these all-vocal readings often being relatively subdued....
However, there's also a sophisticated & reflective quality here, from one of the most experienced groups in this repertory. And then the fact that they've apparently ended the group did cause me to take a look back at some of their recordings: This really did feel like an oversight, and basically an issue with feeling "forced to choose" between releases because of timing, rather than embracing what was (retrospectively) a fine moment for Dufay. (Or I could frame this as "choosing between" Orlando Consort releases from the same time period too.... I kind of thought they'd release more Dufay....)
There's indeed plenty to enjoy here, it turns out, and the all-vocal & all-male readings provide a different perspective from some of the more extrovert programs listed here otherwise....
Todd M. McComb Updated: 2 February 2025