Unlike Palestrina, Lassus didn’t devote an entire publication to the Song of Songs, that book of the Bible whose origins in erotic poetry set it apart from other sacred texts; but, all told, there’s enough music to fill several CDs. This recital contains no fewer than eight motets for various scorings, the most famous of which is probably the eight-voice Osculetur me, of which The Tallis Scholars gave a memorable account many years ago (Gimell, 7/89). The Namur Chamber Choir match the variety of Lassus’s scorings by teaming up with the instrumental ensemble Clematis (which consists of bowed strings, lute and cornett), to which they add their in-house organist. This results in an intimate sound with plenty of bloom when called for (as in the six-voiceVulnerasti cor meum), though at times the consistent doubling of voices and instruments thickens the texture a touch more than would be ideal (as in the two five-voice motets). In line with its past discography, the choir on its own is rather soft-centred. Its account ofOsculetur me is more languid than The Tallis Scholars’, making for an effective alternative. There are more incisive approaches to Lassus, certainly, but at its best this is a rewarding addition to the discography. Gramophone Magazine, October 2016
