Four stars for 'A Spanish Nativity' in BBC Music Magazine

Reviews

Four stars for ‘A Spanish Nativity’ in BBC Music Magazine

Terry Blain, BBC Music Magazine (December, 2019)

Alonso Lobo’s Missa Beata Dei genitrix Maria is the anchor work in A Spanish Nativity, a new disc from the 12-voice British ensemble Stile Antico. Their ability to rivet attention is immediately obvious in an introspective and raptly controlled account of the Missa’s opening Kyrie, while the poignant Agnus Dei highlights the group’s lithe expressivity and impeccable tuning. Pieces by Victoria, Guerrero, Morales and others are dotted between the movements of Lobo’s Missa, and whilst the mood is generally contemplative, Matteo Flecha’s perky villancico ‘Ríu Ríu Chíu’ also gets an outing.