Album Review: The Choir of Royal Holloway’s ‘Peter Philips: Cantiones Sacrae Octonis’

Rupert Gough, The Choir of Royal Holloway & The English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble – ‘Peter Philips: Cantiones Sacrae Octonis Vocibus’ (Hyperion)

Lovers of Thomas Tallis and William Byrd will appreciate this offering of choral pieces from the long forgotten English composer Peter Philips. Performed by the Choir of Royal Holloway, with The English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble in support and Rupert Gough at the helm, this is a truly ethereal offering. Philips was born in 1560 or 1561 and spent most of his life abroad. Like Vivaldi and Albinoni, he seems to have almost been forgotten after his death despite achieving quite considerable acclaim during his lifetime throughout Europe. As with Vivaldi and Albinoni, let’s hope his work continues to be discovered and enjoyed by a new generation.