The Hidden Face

"The gradual revelation of connections between the works on this brilliantly assembled recording is one of its delights. The viol ensemble, Fretwork, plays Tudor and Jacobean consort music by John Tavener, John Ward and the almost anonymous Picforth. Countertenor Michael Chance joins them to offer the first recording of three pieces by John Tavener. Chance, Fretwork's frequent collaborator, has one of the most perfect techniques in use today. He possesses some of the haunting, otherworldly sound associated with English countertenors, but his full tone, long breath and huge dynamic and vocal ranges are in service to the music. From the wild, ecstatic melismas of Tavener to the restraint and intensity of Purcell, this is highly accomplished singing, and a beautiful recording indeed." - Opera News

"Fretwork is a natural for this ecstatic baroque sounding music. The title piece, scored for viols, oboe and countertenor, is exotically beautiful and the other two Tavener pieces 'Nipson' and 'Apokatastasis' are more of the same." - San Francisco Examiner

Three new works from John Tavener are represented on this disc - The Hidden Face, Nipson and Apokatastasis. Combine the artistry of viol ensemble Fretwork with the excellent countertenor Michael Chance and you have the foundations of a marvellous recording. Throw in a few Jacobean consort pieces and a stunning new arrangement of Purcell's An Evening Hymn and you've got something really special.